Freshman Year Timeline and Tips
Stay on track with a detailed to-do list for your Freshman Year. Each task is designed to keep you organized and prepared for what’s ahead. Expand the blocks to uncover expert tips, helpful resources, and step-by-step guidance to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Set Actionable Goals
Freshman year is the perfect time to set goals that will keep you on track for success. Think about what you want to accomplish—maybe it’s getting a certain GPA, improving your study habits, or finding a new hobby. Set small, realistic goals and build from there.
Meet Your Counselor
Your school counselor can be a great resource, so take a moment to introduce yourself. They can help you choose the right classes to keep you on track for college and explore opportunities that match your interests.
Get Involved
Join a club, try out for a sport, or get involved in activities that sound fun. Whether it’s drama, debate, robotics, or student government, extracurriculars help you make friends, build skills, and stand out for college.
Build Effective Study Habits
Start building a study routine early on to keep yourself organized. Find a quiet space, set aside specific times for studying, and keep track of your assignments. The more consistent you are, the easier it’ll be down the road!
Join Our Discord Study Community
Our Discord community is your go-to study squad packed with fellow students who are ready to support you in every step of your test prep and college admissions journey.
Focus on Your Academics
Keeping your grades up is key to staying on track for college. If you’re struggling with a subject, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teacher, a tutor, or classmates.
Explore Career Options
It’s never too early to start exploring career paths and college majors that excite you. Take some time to research different fields—whether it's through online resources, talking to teachers, or exploring clubs at school.
Start a Reading Habit
Reading is one of the best ways to boost your PSAT/SAT prep. By reading books, articles, and blogs, you'll improve your vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
Plan Ahead
As a freshman, it's a great idea to start thinking about honors or AP classes for sophomore year. These classes can challenge you, help you build strong academic habits, and make you stand out to colleges.
Practice Leadership
Start small by taking on leadership roles in clubs or activities you're passionate about. Whether it's organizing an event or leading a group project, these experiences will help you build confidence.
Explore Summer Opportunities
Summer is a great time to try new things and build your resume. Look into summer camps, programs, or volunteer opportunities that match your interests or future goals.
Keep a Record
It's never too early to start keeping track of your achievements. Keep a record of your extracurriculars, awards, volunteer work, and any leadership roles you take on. This will make it much easier when you're ready to build your resume.
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Learn a Skill
Summer is the perfect time to explore something new. Whether it’s learning to code, getting creative with art, or improving your writing skills, picking up a new hobby can be both fun and rewarding.
Prepare for Future Standardized Tests
Starting early with light preparation for the PSAT or other standardized tests can make a big difference. You don’t need to go overboard—just practice a few questions here and there to get familiar with the test format.
Ready for Sophomore Year?
With Freshman Year behind you, it’s time to tackle your Sophomore Year to-do list—or get a sneak peek at what’s coming next.
