Freshman Year Checklist: What Smart Freshmen Do NOW for Future College Admissions

Описание: In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel breaks down exactly what high school freshmen should be doing right now to build a strong foundation for college admissions.

Whether you're a freshman, a parent of a freshman, or a middle schooler preparing early, this episode covers the academic, extracurricular, and summer planning steps that matter most during 9th grade.

Thomas explains:

How to evaluate your first semester and assess academic strengths and weaknesses
Why mastering foundational skills in 9th grade is critical for sophomore and junior year
How freshmen should approach clubs, activities, sports, and leadership
What freshman summer should look like for college admissions
How to choose the right classes for next year
The truth about grades, rigor, and why early preparation matters
How to build habits that lead to strong SAT and ACT performance later on


If you're aiming for selective or highly selective colleges, freshman year is the time to set the tone. This episode gives you a clear roadmap to stay on track and avoid common pitfalls.

For more college admissions advice, visit admittedly.co and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco.

And if your family is ready to take the next step, visit https://admittedly.co/apply to apply for a free Family Action call with one of our admissions advisors.