Starting high school is the perfect time to begin your college prep journey—here’s a checklist to guide freshmen through these crucial early steps.

Some teens begin their freshman year of high school already stressed about college, while others wait until later to start preparing and applying. Is the teen who stresses early better off than the one who’s unprepared? Absolutely not. Are either of them wrong? Again, no.

However, there is a happy medium that all students can strive for to alleviate stress and prepare them for the day when college applications are due. The goal of this article is to assist every freshman in finding a healthy balance between enjoying their time in high school and preparing for their future. If you’re interested in our Four Year College Prep Checklist, we’ve provided a link to the list at the bottom of this article.

1. Academic Performance

To start, a freshman coming into high school should realize that everything they do in the next four years is documented and used—for good or for bad—when applying to colleges and even trade schools. This means it’s important to maintain a strong academic foundation while pursuing a high school education. This includes maintaining a certain standard when it comes to academic grades and character.

2. Extracurricular Exploration

Now’s the time for teens to explore different subject matter and extracurricular activities to find the hobbies and interests that speak most to them. Teens should consider joining clubs, sports teams, or even community organizations—for instance, the humane society if they love animals, community theater if they love to perform, etc.

Once a student finds the extracurricular activities they enjoy most, encourage them to lean into those for the next few years. For example, say the student finds enough fulfillment in soccer that they’re motivated to pursue it as a career in the future or even just throughout college. If that’s the case, look up opportunities related to soccer moving forward including a professional career as a soccer player, sports broadcasting, personal trainer, etc. Then lean into those interests moving forward.

Illustration: Chepe Daniel

3. Build Relationships

Many future opportunities are heavily linked to others’ experiences and opinions of the candidate. Institutions want to know who they’re letting in before they send an acceptance letter. They do this by taking into account the opinions of the people who have seen their growth and interactions: teachers, mentors, counselors, etc.

Because of this, it’s important for students to build positive relationships with teachers, counselors, and mentors who’ll provide guidance and support as they strive to meet education and career goals. This support extends to future college and job requirements such as letters of recommendation, academic and job references, etc.

Illustration: Chepe Daniel

4. Enjoy the Journey

The journey from high school to college is a significant transition in a teenager’s life, one that can be daunting if not approached with careful planning and consideration. That being said, there’s no reason for a student to be so focused on the future that they forget to live in the present. High school presents teens with tons of unique opportunities to try new classes and get involved in activities. All of those things can help a student stand out when they go to apply for college or move to the next step of their lives.

While it’s crucial for freshmen to begin thinking about their future education prospects, it’s equally important for them to remember that they are still adolescents who deserve to experience the joys of growing into an adult. By establishing a four year plan that prioritizes both academic and personal growth, students can navigate their high school years with purpose and fulfillment.

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