College Process: Freshman Year

The goal in ninth grade is for students to adjust to the rigors of high school, to learn more about themselves, and to become involved in the life of Holton-Arms School and the larger world around them.

Though this list may not sound like preparation for applying to college, girls develop the skills and goals that set the stage for a successful high school career and a smooth college application process. The objectives listed below reflect Holton's mission and school philosophy.

• Learn time management skills. Learn to balance academic demands, social interests, and extracurricular passions.
• Get involved! Explore the extracurricular life of Holton-Arms School. Try out for plays, join a club to explore your interests or hobbies, play an instrument, sing, write for one of our publications, paint.
• Play a sport or exercise regularly.
• Expand your friendship circle. Reach out to new students.
• Take advantage of the opportunity to meet with your teachers outside of class when you have questions or want to explore a topic further.
• Get to know at least one adult (advisor, coach, teacher) in the community well to help you navigate the Upper School.
• Make time to read for pleasure. Read a novel. Read the newspaper.
• Explore Washington, D.C. Bike the Capital Crescent Trail.  Hike the Billy Goat Trail.
• Work hard in school.
• Be kind and respectful to your parents and siblings.
• Do community service. Make a plan to fulfill the community service requirement.
• Select your academic courses for 10th grade with the help of your advisor. You should seek appropriate challenges and balance. You need to enjoy your classes and do well, and still have time for other aspects of life.
• Plan ahead for standardized testing.
• Take the SAT subject test in Biology - if appropriate. Speak to your biology teacher.
• During the summer or as a sidelight on a family trip, swing by a college campus or two to begin to get a feeling for the types of schools that you find appealing - large, small, urban, rural, strong campus feeling, etc.
• Use your summer to continue to expand your horizons. Find a job, take a class, continue with your art or music, attend sports camp, volunteer.