Advice for 9th & 10th graders
9th and 10th graders should start planning their high school years with college in mind. My quick advice, if you don't read any further is to focus on your interests, not on what you think colleges "want to see." This will allow authentic interests to shine through, and allow you to pursue your true interests rather than try and mold yourself to what you perceive to be what colleges are looking for. A few thoughts on how to do this and most of all have FUN in the process?
The beginning of high school is the time to try different things. Maybe you love animation, but do you love to draw? Maybe you're interested in the technology behind the animation? Maybe you're interested in the architecture and scenes? Do you love theatre but can't decide if you prefer performing or the stage/set design aspect? Maybe even the directing and producing side? Now is the perfect time to get your feet wet in different aspects of your interest and see which areas (notice the plural) excite you. Find courses and activities that allow you to try out different areas, colleges are interested in you as a well rounded individual who takes the time to explore and determine your interests. Doing this will also allow you to assume some leadership roles as you move to 11th and 12th grades, so you will build your resume organically and with direction.
Some other tips:
Read, read, read. Get off social media. Read lots of different genres to discover what you like while building your vocabulary and reading skills. It doesn’t matter if you read comic books, articles, or books. Just read. It will help in every way. Reading also boosts SAT/ACT scores, another benefit.
Grades and rigor count from 9th grade onwards and schools value upward trends.
It's OK to drop things you're not interested in to get more deeply involved in others. If you don't like something find another interest that is a better fit. But, don't do nothing for three years and then cram your schedule with last minute activities to look "meaningful." Colleges see through this.
Financial aid looks at prior-prior year finances, so parents, avoid any creative accounting mistakes. One big mistake some parents make is transferring assets to your students as this has negative financial aid ramifications.
Keep your social media clean. As anyone who has been following the news lately can tell you, social media posts are forever, even if you delete them. So don't post anything to social media you won't want an admissions officer to read in the future.
Enjoy high school, do well in your classes, find activities that excite you and HAVE FUN!