In the fall, meet with your counselor to begin discussing colleges and careers and to update your academic planning.
Make sure you are enrolled in college-preparatory or tech-prep courses.
Work to your academic potential. The grades you earn in ninth grade will be included in your final high school GPA and class rank. This is important for college admissions and scholarships.
Explore your interests and possible careers. Take advantage of career day opportunities.
Participate in extracurricular activities (school and nonschool sponsored).
Talk to your parents about planning for college expenses. Continue or begin a savings plan for college.
Look at college information available in your counselor's office. Use the Internet to check out college web sites. Make a preliminary list of colleges that might interest you.
Tour a nearby college if possible. Visit relatives or friends who live near or on a college campus. Check out the dorms. Go to the library or student center. Get a feel for college life.
