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Plan for College Timeline: 9th Grade/Freshman Year

When you reach the 9th grade, it's time to start thinking seriously about what you want to do after high school. Your decisions about classes and activities should link to those plans. Remember, you will have more choices if you start planning and preparing now for college.

Below are some of the things that you should be doing in 9th grade:

  • Keep up those good study habits. The more you learn now, the more successful you will be later.

  • Sign up for a college savings account or continue to add money to an existing account.

  • Sign up for Oklahoma's Promise — OHLAP if you did not apply during the 8th grade.

  • Talk to your guidance counselors, teachers, family members or trusted adults about your plans for college.

  • Learn about the Courses to Take and Grades to Make in high school in order to qualify for college admission and make a plan of the classes you will take.
  • Use the High School Planner to keep track of your courses and grades. Invite your counselor to view your online High School Planner.

  • Find out about college entrance requirements.

  • Create a file of the following documents and notes:

    • Copies of report cards
    • Lists of awards and honors
    • Lists of school and community activities in which you are involved, including both paid and volunteer work, and descriptions of what you do

    You might want to include some of this information directly in your MyInfo portfolio available right here on this website.

  • Start thinking about the colleges you would like to attend. Check out the Explore Colleges section of this site. Once you have narrowed down the list of colleges and universities in which you are interested, start visiting the campuses. The Campus Tours section can also give you some valuable information but you should always try to visit in-person the campuses that interest you the most.

  • Find out about AP and other honors-level courses:

    • What courses are available
    • Whether or not you are eligible for the classes that you want to take


  • Explore summer activities that can help boost your readiness for college.