6 Things to Do Freshman Year

Upper School is just beginning, and college is still years away. There is no need to worry about college right now but doing these six things will help set you up for a successful colleges admissions season when eventually it is time to think about it.

1. Enjoy it!

 

Freshman year is full of big adjustments, but it is a fun year. There is so much to explore in Upper School and a great deal to learn about yourself. Have a good time, and don't take yourself too seriously. It's okay to try things and make mistakes. With that said...

2. Understand that your freshman grades matter

Can you guess what the first grade level to appear on your official transcript will be? You guessed it—it's grade nine. Your final grades from fall semester grade 9 will be the first grades to appear on the transcript you will eventually send to colleges with your college application. Make your courses a priority and get off to a strong start!

3. Work on your study skills

 

Careful reading, strategic notetaking, studying for exams—these study skills can be as important to your academic success as your content knowledge. Study skills are just that: skills. If your skills are weak, you can strengthen them with practice. Ninth grade is the perfect time to work on your study skills and ninth-grade teachers are the perfect helpers. If you find you're not scoring as well on your exams as you hoped, visit your teachers during office hours and ask for their advice on how to change your study habits to get the most out of the course.

4. Make a 4-year plan

Freshmen year is an ideal time to draft a plan for the rest of your Upper School courses. A 4-Year Plan helps you to maximize your Upper School academic experience by articulating your priorities and options. We have an event designed to help with 4-Year Planning in November. In the month afterward, plan to attend one of the small group advising sessions to map out your individual academic choices.

5. Get involved

 

Make friends, contribute to your community, build skills, and have fun by getting involved at school. Athletics, House activities, clubs, and service groups are all great ways to be part of the Bear Creek community. You will grow great character qualities through these activities, and eventually, colleges will look at your activities for clues into your interests and character. Colleges are looking for students who will contribute on their campuses, and there is no better way to show that you are that kind of person than by contributing at Bear Creek.

6. Take the PSAT in October

The PSAT 8/9, which all freshmen are registered to take in October, is the first step in a sequence that will have you feeling well prepared for your college admissions tests in future years. The PSAT is a practice SAT. It gives you the opportunity to become familiar with the testing format, and the score results help you understand your areas of strength and weakness. The score results connect you to personalized free test prep through Khan Academy, which can be completed in your own time, at your own pace.

 

About the Author

Emily Schuldt is the Upper School Dean of Academic Advising at The Bear Creek School. She works primarily with freshmen and sophomores. Emily began working at Bear Creek in 2010 and has worn a variety of "hats" during her tenure at the school. She loves talking with students and parents about their journeys through the Upper School years and giving guidance for meeting their goals in the years beyond. Emily is married to the dashing Mr. Schuldt (Upper School history teacher). In her free time, Mrs. Schuldt enjoys drawing, gardening, doing family history research, and hanging out with her husband and two young boys. Emily holds a B.A. International Studies from Whitworth University.