College and Career Planning Checklist
Keep track of key steps to take during each grade of high school to help you plan for college and career.
9th Grade Tasks
First Semester
Access free AP resources
If you're taking an AP course, you can access free learning resources in AP Classroom by joining your class section online with the join code your teacher gives you.
Review your PSAT 8/9 scores (if you took it)
If your school offers the PSAT 8/9, you may take it either in the fall or the spring. Your score report includes detailed information about how your PSAT 8/9 scores relate to specific academic skills and provide customized feedback on how to improve in these subject areas. This can help you choose high school courses, show you which AP classes may be a good match for you, and get you started thinking about college or career plans.
Talk to a trusted adult about your future
Connect with your school counselor. They are there to help you and can offer valuable advice on college preparation and financial aid as you progress through high school.
Commit to taking AP exams (if you’re taking AP courses this year)
Regardless of your AP Exam score, completing an AP course and exam shows your determination to tackle college-level work. Learn more about the ways you'll benefit.
Explore AP courses for next year
It’s never too early to plan ahead for next school year. Find out how you can pick the AP course(s) that are right for you.
Take the career quiz
It might feel early to start thinking about a career path, but now is a great time to start! Take this easy, 15-minute quiz to get matched with careers based on your likes and dislikes.
Explore extracurricular activities
Get involved in extracurricular activities, school clubs, and community service. Participation in these activities can enhance your college application and scholarship opportunities.
Explore your AP Potential™
If you've taken the PSAT 8/9, explore your AP Potential™. Learn which AP courses you’re ready for by reviewing your personalized list.
Research the types of colleges and costs
College is potentially just a few years away. If there are colleges you’re interested in, or you want to learn about the different types of colleges and their cost, start researching colleges here.
Talk to your parents/guardians about your plans
Talk with your parents or guardians about your career and college research and your goals for life after high school.
Second Semester
Decide which AP courses to take next year
It’s time to start planning for 10th grade. You’ll work with your counselor, teachers, and/or parents to select courses. Be sure to look at which AP courses you might be able to take. AP isn't just for juniors and seniors. In fact, some of the most popular courses are often taken by 9th and 10th graders. Check out the most popular AP courses for younger students.
Connect with colleges and scholarships
Want to start hearing from colleges and scholarship programs looking for students like you? Opt in to Student Search Service® so they can contact you directly. You'll learn about life on campus, scholarships, financial aid, and more.
Visit a college campus
Do you live near a college? We recommend visiting college campuses as early as possible to get a sense of what college life is like.
Calculate your GPA
Now that you’ve completed your first semester, calculate your grade point average. This is an important factor most colleges will look at when you apply to college.
Review your AP exam score(s) (if you took any)
AP Exam scores are released in early July. Check out these tips to ensure you are ready to view yours.
Stay motivated over the summer
Summer is a great time to explore interests and learn new skills—and colleges look for students who pursue meaningful summer activities. Find out ways you can stay motivated this summer.