Congratulations! Your Child is Now in High School!

If you're anything like I was, you probably wonder, "How did the time fly by so quickly?" How am I possibly old enough to have a high schooler? It's a significant milestone, and while you're brimming with pride as you see your child move through this exciting stage, it's also a bit overwhelming to think about how fast the years have gone by.

Believe it or not, college is just around the corner. In just a few short years, you'll be diving into the world of college applications and essays for those dream schools. But don't worry! There are some key things you and your student can focus on this year to make the journey smoother and set the stage for future success.

Let's explore the five essential areas to concentrate on during 9th grade. From building good study habits to participating in extracurricular activities, these steps will help your child lay a solid foundation for the exciting years ahead.

1. Establish Good Study Habits and Time Management Skills

Starting high school is a significant transition, and it's essential for 9th graders to develop strong study habits and practical time management skills. Encourage students to:

• Set a Study Schedule: Designate specific times for homework and study sessions.
• Stay Organized: Use planners or digital tools to track assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities.
• Prioritize Tasks: Teach them to identify and focus on high-priority tasks first.

2. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities

Participation in extracurricular activities is more than just a way to fill time; it plays a crucial role in college applications and essays. Starting early in high school shows colleges that your commitment to these activities is genuine and not just a last-minute effort to meet graduation requirements. Encourage students to: 

• Join Clubs and Organizations: Explore different clubs or sports teams to find their passions.
• Volunteer: Engage in community service to gain experience and demonstrate commitment to giving back.
• Pursue Hobbies: Develop skills and interests that can evolve into lifelong passions or career paths.

Colleges like to see students actively involved in their communities and pursuing their interests over several years. Whether it's joining a club, playing a sport, engaging in music or arts, or volunteering, these activities demonstrate a well-rounded character and dedication beyond academics.

Consider this: UCLA had 173,400 applications in 2024. In such a competitive environment, your extracurricular involvement can be the factor that tips the scales in your favor. It shows admissions officers that you have the initiative, passion, and time management skills to balance schoolwork with other interests. Moreover, these activities provide rich material for your application essays. Instead of generic responses, you can write compelling stories about your experiences, the challenges you've overcome, and the impact you've made.

By getting involved in extracurricular activities early, you'll enrich your high school experience and build a strong, authentic profile for your college applications.

3. Focus on Academic Performance

Academic performance in 9th grade sets the foundation for the rest of high school and can significantly impact college opportunities and financial aid. It's crucial for students to aim for good grades from the start. Some generous grants, such as the CalGrant, require a minimum GPA of 3.0. The difference between a 2.9 and a 3.0 GPA could result in a $10,000 or more loss in financial aid. Setting a solid academic foundation now will make it much easier to maintain a high GPA when you are a junior, a critical year for college applications.

Achieving this requires focus and effort, especially since high school is a significant transition from middle school. Students face increased academic demands, new social dynamics, and a host of personal changes. To succeed, it's essential to:

• Aim for Good Grades: Establish a solid GPA early on, as it sets the foundation for the next three years.
• Stay Organized: Use planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments, tests, and deadlines.
• Seek Help When Needed: Encourage students to ask for help from teachers, tutors, or peers if they're struggling with any subjects.
• Challenge Themselves: Consider taking honors or advanced courses if available and appropriate.

Remember, the effort students put into their studies now will pay off significantly in the future. By focusing on academic performance in 9th grade, they not only prepare for college but also open doors to valuable financial aid opportunities.

4. Explore Career Interests

While discussing career interests with a 9th grader might seem early, starting this conversation now can be incredibly beneficial. While it's understandable that your child's interests may change by the time they head to college, getting them into the habit of thinking about their future career is time well spent.

Encouraging your child to explore various career options helps them discover their passions and strengths. There may be opportunities for them to volunteer, intern, or shadow professionals in different fields to see if a particular job truly interests them. For example, one of my daughters initially showed an interest in becoming a paramedic. We enrolled her in the Girl's Fire Camp put on by the Beverly Hills Fire Department—side note: I HIGHLY recommend this if you live somewhere in LA and have a daughter. My daughter realized that being a firefighter/paramedic wasn't for her, but it sparked an interest in becoming a flight medic, and now she is enrolled in a nursing program.

Mixing potential career interests with extracurricular activities can be a recipe for cementing a career choice. Whether through camps, volunteer work, or internships, these experiences provide invaluable insights and can ignite a passion for a particular field.

At Auxilium, we have a proven process for helping kids find their career path and the major that aligns with it. This is such an essential aspect of your child's development that we even named it Tuition Insurance™. By exploring career interests early, students can make more informed decisions about their academic and extracurricular activities, ultimately leading to a more focused and fulfilling educational journey.

Encourage your 9th grader to:

• Take Career Assessments: Use online tools or school resources to identify strengths and interests. (We have a great system and process for this.)
• Research Careers: Research different professions and the education or skills required for them. (Our system also provides this information.)
• Attend Career Fairs: Participate in events to learn about various industries and professions.
• Engage in Relevant Activities: Seek out volunteer work, internships, or shadowing opportunities related to their interests.

By fostering a sense of curiosity and exploration, you help your child build a clearer vision of their future and lay the groundwork for a successful college and career path.

5. Build Strong Relationships with Teachers and Counselors

Effective communication with teachers and counselors is crucial for your child's success in high school and beyond. It's essential not to assume that parents, educators, and administrators are always on the same page. By actively engaging with your child's teachers and counselors, you can ensure a consistent and supportive message that keeps your student on the most direct path to college.

Some teachers are particularly well-suited to guiding students toward a college career, while others might not be as focused on this aspect. By aligning with your child's educators, you can better understand their approach and work together to support your child's academic and career goals. Here are some steps to build these strong relationships:

• Engage in Class: Encourage your child to participate actively and show interest in their subjects. This will not only help them learn better but also make a positive impression on their teachers.
• Seek Advice: Use school counselors as resources for academic and career planning. They can provide valuable insights into college requirements and help your child explore various career options.
• Request Feedback: Have your child ask teachers for feedback on assignments and ways to improve. Constructive criticism can be a powerful tool for academic growth.
• Attend Meetings and Conferences: Regularly participate in parent-teacher conferences and school events. This shows your involvement and commitment to your child's education.
• Stay in Touch: Maintain open lines of communication with teachers and counselors. Email or call them to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your child's progress.

Building these strong relationships can give your child a support network that encourages academic excellence and college readiness. It ensures everyone involved in your child's education is aligned and working towards the same goals. By fostering a collaborative environment, you help create a consistent message for your child, reinforcing the importance of their academic and career aspirations.

Navigating high school and preparing for college can seem daunting, but with early planning and focused effort, you can set your child up for success. By prioritizing good study habits, exploring extracurricular interests, maintaining strong academics, exploring career paths, and building relationships with educators, you lay a solid foundation for their future.

At Auxilium, we have over 30 years of experience helping parents like you get their students into their dream schools while paying a fraction of the cost. We offer one-on-one counseling programs that can guide you through every step of the college process, starting as early as middle school. Don’t hesitate to reach out and let us help you navigate this journey with confidence.