How to Start Preparing for College in 9th and 10th Grade
Many students think college preparation begins junior year, but the truth is that it can start much earlier in small and meaningful ways. Freshman and sophomore year are the perfect time to explore who you are and what excites you. You do not need to have your future planned. You only need to take the first steps.
Here are three of the most important ways to begin.
1. Try New Activities
High school gives you the chance to discover interests you have never explored before. Join a club, try a sport, volunteer, play an instrument, or explore art or STEM. You do not need to commit to anything long term. The goal is to experiment, meet people, and learn what you enjoy. These early experiences help you understand your strengths and shape the path you might take in the future.
2. Build Good Habits in the Classroom
Strong academic habits begin long before college applications. Ninth and tenth grade matter because they set the foundation for everything that comes next. Stay organized, keep track of assignments, ask questions, and learn how you study best. Good habits make school feel less overwhelming and prepare you for the independence that college requires.
3. Create Something Meaningful
You do not have to wait to make a difference. Start a small project, help your community, create art, build something new, or bring a simple idea to life. When you take initiative, you learn what motivates you and what kind of impact you want to have. These projects also help you grow as a leader and show colleges that you care about contributing to the world around you.
Preparing for college does not begin with applications. It begins with exploring your interests, staying curious, and trying new things. When you start early, you give yourself time to grow, discover your strengths, and shape the future you want.
Final Thought
The college admissions process is a marathon—steady, consistent progress wins. Start early, stay focused, and adjust your strategy as you grow. At Miller College Counseling, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s make your college journey a successful one—together.
