2026 Student Checklist: Freshman (9th Grade) Edition

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: Freshman Edition—a step-by-step guide to help you stay on track and make the most of your freshman year.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!