Guidance Info for 9th Grade

FLCS Guidance Department

Preparing for College

"Without preparation, opportunity is an empty promise." - Alan Page, Minnesota State Supreme Court Justice and former NFL player

9th Grade

College may seem far away, but it's not too early to get on the right track. Everything starts to "count." Classes are used to calculate grade point average for college admissions. Activities, honors, and awards are listed on college and scholarship applications.

1. It's time to meet your child's guidance counselor. Set up an appointment to meet with the Guidance Director and discuss your child's future. Find out about some colleges your child may be interested in and the kinds of courses they require.

2. Monitor your child's academic progress. Too many seniors don't have GPA they need for college/scholarships because of their grades in 9th grade. Remember, Bright Futures uses some of the 9th grade core classes in their scholarship determination.

3. Help your child become involved in getting his community service hours.

Seventy-five are required for graduation. It's OK to have hours in different activities, but scholarship committees like to see that a child focused in on one interest. Plan a meaningful project; many scholarships are tied to community service. Colleges like to see well-rounded students.

4. Start a portfolio or student resume'. This is a file that lists community service, employment, awards, honors, leadership positions, clubs, service organizations, school activities, sports, etc. Update this yearly. It's easy to forget something done in 9th grade when you look back years later. You will be glad you have this file when filling out college and scholarship applications when your child is a senior.

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FLCS Guidance Department
*Preparing for College*
"Without preparation, opportunity is an empty promise." - Alan Page, Minnesota State Supreme Court Justice and former NFL player
9th Grade
		College may seem far away, but it's not too early to get on the right track. Everything starts to "count." Classes are used to calculate grade point average for college admissions. Activities, honors, and awards are listed on college and scholarship applications.
		1. It's time to meet your child's guidance counselor. Set up an appointment to meet with the Guidance Director and discuss your child's future. Find out about some colleges your child may be interested in and the kinds of courses they require.
		2. Monitor your child's academic progress. Too many seniors don't have GPA they need for college/scholarships because of their grades in 9th grade. Remember, Bright Futures uses some of the 9th grade core classes in their scholarship determination.
		3. Help your child become involved in getting his community service hours. Seventy-five are required for graduation. It's OK to have hours in different activities, but scholarship committees like to see that a child focused in on one interest. Plan a meaningful project; many scholarships are tied to community service. Colleges like to see well-rounded students.
		4. Start a portfolio or student resume'. This is a file that lists community service, employment, awards, honors, leadership positions, clubs, service organizations, school activities, sports, etc. Update this yearly. It's easy to forget something done in 9th grade when you look back years later. You will be glad you have this file when filling out college and scholarship applications when your child is a senior.
Return to Guidance Index