What Rising 9th Graders Should Do During the Summer to Prepare for High School
Preparing for the first year of high school can feel overwhelming, but starting in the summer can help ease the transition. Here are some practical steps to get rising ninth graders ready for this exciting new chapter.
1. Strengthen Academic Skills
High school will build on what you’ve learned in middle school, so it’s crucial to have a strong foundation. In ninth grade, students typically take biology, world history, and algebra or geometry. Use the summer to brush up on subjects where you feel less confident or preview subjects that are new to you. There are plenty of online resources, such as Khan Academy, that offer free courses in various subjects. If working with a live instructor or tutor is better for you, then enroll in a preview class at Elite Prep.
2. Read Regularly
Reading is one of the best ways to improve your comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, reading skills are important to many high school subjects, including history, science, and (of course) English language arts. Choose a mix of fiction and non-fiction books to expand your horizons – doing so will not only prepare you academically but also make you a more engaged learner. Check our Recommended Summer Reading List for Ninth Graders.
3. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Explore extracurricular activities that interest you. High schools offer a variety of clubs, sports, and organizations. Summer is a great time to try new things and discover what you’re passionate about. Whether it’s joining a sports team, learning a musical instrument, or volunteering in your community, these activities will help you develop new skills and make new friends.
Furthermore, if you plan to participate in particular extracurricular activities in high school, consider using your summer time to prepare and hone your abilities (e.g., work on past exams for Science Olympiad and math competitions, practice your skills for a sport like basketball and track and field, and learn to code for robotics or website design).
4. Learn Time Management
High school will demand better time management skills than middle school. Start practicing now by setting a schedule for your summer activities. Include time for study, hobbies, and relaxation. Learning to balance these activities will prepare you for the busy high school schedule. Try techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break.
5. Understand High School Expectations
Familiarize yourself with what will be expected of you in high school. Attend any orientation sessions offered by your high school and read through the student handbook. Knowing the school’s rules, dress code, and academic policies will help you adjust more quickly. Talk to older students or siblings about their experiences to get a sense of what to expect.
6. Set Goals
Setting goals can give you a sense of direction and purpose. Think about what you want to achieve in your first year of high school. These could be academic goals, such as maintaining a certain GPA, or personal goals, like joining a club or making new friends. Write down your goals and revisit them regularly to track your progress.
7. Get Organized
High school comes with more responsibilities and a heavier workload. Start by organizing your study space and materials. Create a filing system for your schoolwork and important documents. Invest in a planner or use a digital calendar to keep track of assignments, extracurricular activities, and important dates. Being organized from the start will help you manage your time effectively.
8. Develop Good Study Habits
High school courses will be more challenging, so developing good study habits now will pay off later. Find out what study methods work best for you. Some students prefer studying alone in a quiet environment, while others do better in study groups. Try different techniques like summarizing information, using flashcards, or teaching what you’ve learned to someone else.
Starting high school is a significant milestone, and preparing over the summer can make a big difference. By strengthening your academic skills, reading regularly, getting involved in extracurricular activities, managing your time, understanding high school expectations, setting goals, getting organized, and developing good study habits, you’ll be well-prepared to start high school with confidence and enthusiasm. Enjoy your summer and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead!