Advice for Freshmen

Advice for Ninth Graders 

Ninth grade should be your year to successfully transition to the Upper School curriculum and explore all of the opportunities. Colleges will consider all of your work and activity for the next four years, so use every experience as an opportunity to demonstrate excellence.  

• Realize that the grades you earn now matter for colleges and universities. Engage in your coursework and perform to the best of your ability! Take challenging courses in subject in which you excel.
  
   
• Be a mensch. Practice good social skills, behave appropriately, commit to social action and community service, and maintain a strong sense of integrity! 
   
• Seek advice from those who know you best. Discuss your goals and aspirations with your advisor, your teachers, and your assistant principal; ask them to help with scheduling your courses; learn from them. 
   
• Explore your interests, and discover new ones. Take advantage of the many activities Milken has to offer!
   
• Sharpen your skills: Practice good study habits and time management!
   
• Create and maintain a portfolio folder. Save items such as report cards, certificates, and awards you receive; keep a record of school and community service activity, offices held, and events you take part in.  (Update your folder regularly!) 
    
• Have a great summer. Research and explore enrichment programs in the sciences, the arts, politics, leadership, or other subjects that interest you (many of these are held on college and university campuses); travel to an exciting place; volunteer for a meaningful cause; join a sports team.  (For more ideas about summer programs, click here.)