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Your Timeline: 9th Grade/Freshman Year

When you reach the 9th grade, it's time to start thinking seriously about postsecondary options because what you do in high school should link to those plans. Remember, you will have more options if you start planning 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.

  • Establish your college-prep class schedule. It should consist of at least four college-preparatory classes per year, including:

    • 4 years of English
    • 3 years of math (at or above Algebra I)
    • 2 years of lab science
    • 3 years of history/citizenship skills
    • 2 years of electives from the above areas or foreign language or computer science

    Many college and universities recommend, but do not require, that you take an additional unit in math, plus two additional units in fine arts (music, art, drama or speech).

  • 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 want to attend. Use the tools in 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.

  • 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