9th grade is a fresh start! While middle school is important, colleges only consider sgrades from high school. It is important for 9th grade students to focus on academics; but also, to participate in extra-curricular activities, explore colleges and career options.
See these important items that your ETS advisor will review during your first meeting:
Assessment and Goal Setting
September: Welcome to ETS
In our first meeting, we’ll introduce you to TRIO ETS, review expectations, and get you set up for success in high school. We’ll also talk about how your classes and grades this year will matter for college down the road.
Focus Areas:
- Intake & expectations for 9th grade
- Review Freshman Checklist & ETS website resources
- Discuss high school transition and adjusting to classes
- Talk about the importance of grades in high school and beyond
October: Transcript & Goal Setting
This month, we’ll review your transcript and start talking about your long-term plan for high school. We’ll set academic and extracurricular goals to help you stay on track.
Focus Areas:
- Review transcript and 4-year plan, review NH Scholars graduation requirements
- Set academic goals for the year
- Talk about extracurricular involvement and how to get started
- Learn about tutoring resources if needed
November: Study Skills & Organization
In November, we’ll focus on building strong study habits and organizational skills so you feel confident in your classes.
Focus Areas:
- Check in on grades
- Learn effective study skills and test preparation strategies
- Explore time management and organization techniques
- Connect habits now to future success in high school and college
December: Financial Aid PowerPoint & Grades Check-In
We’ll review your current grades (Q2 is wrapping up) and walk through the Financial Aid PowerPoint so you understand how college can be affordable—what grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study really mean—and why your transcript starting this year matters for future aid and scholarships.
Focus Areas:
- Check in on grades (Q2/semester grades post to your transcript)
- Review the Financial Aid PowerPoint (grants, scholarships, loans, work-study)
- Connect today’s grades to future financial aid & scholarship opportunities
January: Growth Mindset & Midterm Prep
This month, we’ll check in on your grades and get ready for midterms. You’ll also take part in the Flip Flop Tower activity, which is a fun way to practice teamwork and learn about growth mindset — how persistence, problem-solving, and effort help you overcome challenges.
Focus Areas:
- Review grades and academic progress
- Prepare for midterms/finals
- Participate in Flip Flop Tower activity (growth mindset & teamwork)
- Set goals for the second half of the year
February: Course Planning & Opportunities
In February, we’ll plan your sophomore year schedule together and review opportunities like honors classes or dual enrollment. We’ll also talk about how a rigorous course load can open up more college options.
Focus Areas:
- Review semester 1 grades
- Select courses for 10th grade
- Learn about NH Scholars requirements
- Discuss honors, AP, and dual enrollment opportunities
March: Career Exploration (Interest Survey & Job Research)
We’ll check in on your grades and start exploring careers. You’ll take a quick interest survey and then research jobs using the Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn what different careers are like, what they pay, and what education they require. We’ll also show how AI can help you gather facts and compare options.
Focus Areas:
- Discuss current grades.
- Complete CareerOneStop Interest Assessment and review results.
- Research careers in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH).
- Use AI to look up “day-in-the-life,” required courses/majors, and salary info.
April: Financial Literacy & Course Check-In
We’ll review grades and complete the interactive Spent money-management game to understand budgeting, wants vs. needs, and how education affects income. We’ll also confirm next year’s courses and update your transcript review sheet; the ETS evaluation is included this month.
Focus Areas:
- Discuss grades.
- Play Spent (financial literacy) and debrief on choices, saving, and long-term debt.
- Confirm next year’s course selections and update transcript review sheet.
May: Wrap-Up & Looking Ahead
We’ll reflect on your freshman year, plan for finals, and set goals for 10th grade. You’ll complete the ETS evaluation, and we’ll highlight how stronger grades connect to scholarship opportunities (e.g., merit charts like UNH’s).
Focus Areas:
- Discuss current grades and plan for finals.
- End-of-year reflection: highs, lows, activities for next year, summer plans.
- Connect GPA to merit scholarship potential; set goals for 10th grade.
- Complete ETS evaluation
Ongoing Support
Freshman year is about building a strong foundation—academically, socially, and personally. By the end of the year, you’ll have stronger study skills, career awareness, and a plan for 10th grade. TRIO ETS will be here to guide you every step of the way through high school.
