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
- 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: Career Exploration (Part 1)
This month, you’ll begin exploring careers to learn about the many options available after high school. We’ll use tools to help you identify your interests and connect them to possible career paths.
Focus Areas:
- Review current grades
- Complete a career interest survey
- Explore career profiles that match your interests
January: Career Exploration (Part 2)
We’ll continue career exploration by digging deeper into fields you’re curious about. This helps you start thinking about what courses and experiences in high school can support your future plans.
Focus Areas:
- Check in on grades
- Explore more career profiles and discuss career clusters
- Talk about how career interests connect to high school classes and activities
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: Financial Aid Basics
This month is about learning the basics of financial aid. We’ll go over what financial aid is, why it matters, and how it can make college more affordable.
Focus Areas:
- Review grades
- Learn financial aid basics (grants, scholarships, loans, work-study)
- Understand that college can be affordable with the right support
April: College Awareness
In April, you’ll start thinking about what college might look like for you. We’ll discuss different types of colleges and what factors matter most when choosing a school.
Focus Areas:
- Review grades
- Introduction to college types (2-year, 4-year, technical, public, private)
- Explore what to look for in a college (location, size, majors, activities)
May: Wrap-Up & Looking Ahead
In our final meeting of the year, we’ll talk about preparing for finals, summer opportunities, and what to expect in 10th grade ETS. You’ll also complete your ETS evaluation.
Focus Areas:
- Review grades & plan for final exams
- Preview sophomore year activities & goals
- Discuss summer opportunities
- 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.
