Skip to content
  • Solutions
    Our Services
    Admissions Committee Review
    BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
    Business School Admissions
    College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
    Computer Science & Engineering
    Essay Advising and Review
    Gap Year Admissions
    Middle School College Prep
    Test Prep
    ACT Test Prep
    SAT Test Prep
    Transfer Admissions
  • About Us
    Our Story
    Why Us
    Success Stories
    Contact Us
  • Programs
    AI Scholar Program
    Research Scholar Program
    Startup Internship Program
    Passion Project Program
  • Resources
    Blog
    Webinars
    Empowerly Score®
  • For Organizations
    Partnerships & Affiliates
    Empowerly for Employers

Sign In

Free Consultation
Book a Free Consultation

Login

  • Blog > Applications, Content Guides

2025 Student Checklist: Freshman (9th Grade) Edition

Picture of Sophia Minhas

Sophia Minhas

  • February 1, 2025

High school may feel like a fresh start—new teachers, new classmates, and new challenges. But did you know that your freshman year plays a big role in shaping your college admissions journey?

Many students don’t realize how crucial their first year is until later on. From building a strong academic foundation to exploring extracurriculars, the choices you make now can set you up for success.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. That’s why we’ve created The Complete Student Checklist for 2025: Freshman Edition—a step-by-step guide to help you stay on track and make the most of your freshman year.

What Should Freshmen Focus On?

Start your high school journey on the right track! Your freshman year is about exploration and foundation-building. Freshman year is also the perfect time to develop effective study techniques that will help you manage more challenging coursework in the future! 

So what should you start with? Focus on:

  • Getting comfortable with high school academics
  • Building good study habits
  • Discovering interests through clubs and extracurriculars
  • Laying the groundwork for a strong college application

To help you stay on track, download our Freshman Year Student Checklist and follow these key steps.

Freshman Year: Staying Ahead from Day One

Rising Freshman Summer (8th–9th Grade Transition)

  • Explore available clubs, sports, and activities before the school year starts.
  • Familiarize yourself with your high school campus.
  • Set academic and extracurricular goals for the next four years.

Fall (9th Grade)

  • Meet with your school counselor to introduce yourself and discuss your academic path.
  • Enroll in college preparatory courses (Honors, AP, IB, or other advanced coursework if available).
  • Join multiple clubs to explore different interests.

Spring (9th Grade)

  • Identify your academic strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Commit to a few extracurricular activities that genuinely interest you (quality over quantity).
  • Start a running list of achievements, awards, and leadership roles—even as a freshman, you can take initiative by becoming a club officer, organizing an event, or leading a group project.
  • Look for summer internships, programs, or volunteer opportunities to gain experience.
checklist

College Prep Advice for Freshmen

1. Consider an Independent Project 

If you’re passionate about a subject, why not take it further? Whether it’s coding an app, conducting a science experiment, or writing a blog, independent projects help you stand out to colleges. 

You don’t have to start from scratch, either. Many universities and organizations offer summer programs for high school students in areas like STEM, business, writing, and the arts. These programs can give you exposure to new subjects, connect you with like-minded peers, and even help you earn college credit. Start researching now so you can apply for opportunities next year!

2. Build Meaningful Relationships with Teachers and Mentors

Your teachers and mentors will be crucial resources throughout high school. Establishing strong relationships early can help you gain better guidance, insightful recommendations, and additional learning opportunities.

3. Improve Your Writing Skills

Strong writing is essential for essays, reports, and eventually your college applications. Take the time to practice writing clear, structured essays and explore creative or research-based writing projects.

4. Get Ahead with College Counseling

Did you know that on average, in-school counselors spend only a few minutes per year with each student? At Empowerly, our independent college counselors spend 25x more one-on-one time helping students build standout applications. Learn how a personalized college counseling experience can help you achieve your goals.

Bonus: Freshman Scholarship Tips

You might not be eligible for many scholarships yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing! Researching scholarships early can give you a head start, helping you stay organized and ready when the time comes to apply.

Here’s how to get started.

  • Explore scholarship websites to understand what’s out there: Scholarships.com, Sallie Mae Scholarships, FastWeb, and Niche are popular options.
  • Take note of deadlines and common requirements (essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc).
  • Start a scholarship tracker. This can be a spreadsheet or note-taking app—whatever system works for you to keep track of scholarship information. Staying organized early on will make it easier to apply when you do qualify.
  • Consider working on a personal statement draft—you’ll thank yourself later!
  • Look for competitions or merit-based awards that provide early scholarship opportunities.
  • Maintain a strong GPA from the start, as many scholarships require a solid academic record.

Final Thoughts: Stay Curious and Motivated!

By following this freshman student checklist and starting early, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and successful high school experience. Freshman year is the perfect time to explore, experiment, and build a strong foundation for the years ahead!

Want More Expert College Guidance?

Book A Free Consultation

Share this post
College Internships
Picture of Sophia Minhas

Sophia Minhas

Related articles

Find the latest college admissions news, tips, resources and more.

Unlock Your Future: Colleges with 40-50% Acceptance

Discover top target colleges with 40–50% acceptance rates that offer strong academics, merit aid, and reduced stress in your college search.

SAT and ACT Dates for 2025: Plan Your Exam

Don't miss the 2025 SAT & ACT registration deadlines! Get all official test dates and plan your college application strategy.

Early Action Schools: Apply Sooner, Get In Sooner

Explore Early Action colleges! Discover how non-binding EA can boost your chances and reduce stress without commitment.

Empowerly is a member of:

Menu

  • Services
  • Success Stories
  • Careers
  • Become a Counselor
  • Refer a Friend
  • Book a Consult

Contact Us

  • enrollment@empowerly.com
  • 800 491 6920
  • empowerly.com

Follow Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
Subscribe to our Newsletter
© 2025 Empowerly Inc | All Rights Reserved
Cookie Preferences
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Solutions
Our Services
Admissions Committee Review
BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
Business School Admissions
College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
Computer Science & Engineering
Essay Advising and Review
Gap Year Admissions
Middle School College Prep
Test Prep
ACT Test Prep
SAT Test Prep
Transfer Admissions
About Us
Our Story
Why Us
Success Stories
Programs
AI Scholar Program
Research Scholar Program
Startup Internship Program
Resources
Blog
Referral
Webinars
Empowerly Score®
For Organizations
Partnerships & Affiliates
Empowerly for Employers
Book a Free Consultation
Login