Parents of freshmen often ask: What should freshmen be doing now to prepare for college admissions? They worry that ninth grade is too early, or that thinking about strategy might create unnecessary pressure. But the opposite is true. Freshman year is the one moment in a student’s high school career when time is on their side. They can explore without rushing, experiment without consequences, and make decisions that shape their story before the stakes feel high.
The families who benefit the most from an early start are never pushing. They are simply guiding. They are helping their student notice what excites them, what they gravitate toward, and what they return to again and again. Freshman year is not about building a brand. It is about building awareness.
The question is never “How do we impress colleges?” The better question is “How do we help our student grow into a story that will one day be authentic and compelling?”
Why Is Freshman Year Such a Strategic Advantage?
Freshman year matters because it provides something that juniors and seniors simply do not have: space.
Students who begin early have space to
• explore interests in low-stakes ways
• drop activities that do not fit
• develop habits that support academic and personal growth
• deepen relationships with teachers and mentors
• shape a clear narrative, slowly and naturally
Colleges do not expect freshmen to be accomplished. They expect them to be curious. And curiosity takes time to develop.
When a student waits until junior year to “get serious,” the only strategy left is acceleration. When a student begins freshman year, the strategy becomes evolution.
Should Freshmen Focus on Grades First?
Yes. A strong academic foundation is the single most important part of early planning.
But grades alone are not enough. Colleges want to see that a student is:
• learning how to manage workload
• understanding how to ask for help
• building confidence in the classroom
• developing healthy study habits that will last
Freshman year is when students figure out what works for them academically. It is also when small gaps can be filled before they become major challenges later.
Families who want structure often use the 2026 Narrative Blueprint to help students reflect on their strengths, habits, and academic growth early on.
What Activities Should Freshmen Choose?
Freshmen do not need to commit to a major interest. They do not need a long list of activities. What they need is room to try things with intention.
Encourage your student to explore activities with these questions in mind:
• What am I naturally curious about
• What feels energizing rather than draining
• What do I want to learn more about
• What am I willing to show up for week after week
A freshman year activity list should be simple. Two or three starter commitments are enough. What matters is consistency. The purpose is to gather information about who they are becoming.
How Can Freshmen Build an Early Narrative Without Pressure?
A narrative is not something a freshman writes. It is something they grow into.
Colleges are eventually going to ask:
• What does this student care about
• How have they explored that interest over time
• What choices have they made that reveal growth
Freshmen who begin reflecting early often become stronger applicants later. Even small signs of direction help:
• volunteering at a local shelter out of genuine interest
• joining environmental club because climate science fascinates them
• taking an online class about a subject they love
• starting a small project, journal, or portfolio
Narrative does not come from achievement. It comes from awareness.
What Mistakes Should Freshmen Avoid?
Freshmen often fall into predictable traps:
1. Joining too many clubs.
This leads to burnout and shallow involvement.
2. Trying to make everything “impressive.”
Authentic stories always read stronger than busy resumes.
3. Believing they need to choose a major now.
Colleges expect exploration, not certainty.
4. Waiting until junior year to show initiative.
By then, time is limited and opportunities are fewer.
5. Ignoring the importance of reflection.
Freshmen who reflect become sophomores with direction.
Your student has time. Do not let them waste it by wandering aimlessly or rushing without purpose.
Q&A: What Should Freshmen Be Doing Now to Prepare for College Admissions?
Q: Is freshman year too early to start thinking about college?
A: Not at all. Freshman year is the ideal time to explore interests and build habits without pressure.
Q: How many activities should a freshman do?
A: Two or three consistent commitments are plenty. Depth matters more than volume.
Q: Does a student need a clear academic direction in ninth grade?
A: No. They only need curiosity and a willingness to explore what excites them.
Q: Should freshmen take summer programs?
A: Only if they support genuine interest. Jobs, volunteering, and exploration are just as valuable.
Q: What is the number one goal for freshmen?
A: To use their time intentionally so they can build a narrative naturally over four years.
Final Thoughts: Freshman Year Sets the Tone
The best college applications are not built in a single semester. They are built over time, through thoughtful decisions that align with a student’s curiosity and character.
Freshmen have a rare opportunity to grow without the pressure of deadlines or applications. The more intentional they are now, the more confident they will be later.
If you want a structured way to help your student begin shaping that path, download the 2026 Narrative Blueprint.If you would like personalized guidance from former Ivy League admissions officers, you can also apply for a free Family Action Call to discuss your student’s long-term strategy.
