Freshman Year - Check list

Get set for a great high school career. It's important to remember that what lies ahead is not just a four-year audition for college. Still, it will help later to think now about what admissions staffers will be looking for. 

Seek advice: Ask someone you trust to help you map out your classes. Grades are important in ninth grade. But rigor is really key, too, so don't just go for easy A's. 

Learn from teacher feedback: How many times have you groaned over a bad essay grade, then stuffed the paper into a binder without another thought? Instead, accept that C as constructive criticism, really read your teacher's comments and figure out how to do better. 

Read voraciously: Books, newspapers, magazines, blogs – choose what engages you and remember to look up unfamiliar words. 

Get involved: Not only are you developing talents and interests that will catch a college's eye, but also school is more fun when you have activities to look forward to.