College Planning: Freshmen
The month of September is designated as TN College Application & Exploration Month. The goal of this month is to build excitement and knowledge around the college application process.
As a network of college preparatory school, City University Schools wants to help our scholars build their college and career aspirations, and provide them with the knowledge and tools to turn their dreams into reality.
High school is a critical time for college and career readiness. We recognize that the college-going process can feel overwhelming for scholars and families, particularly for those scholars who may be the first in their family to attend college.
We have compiled a College Planning Guide for freshman scholars to assist with the college going process.
Freshman Year
Freshman year is all about exploration. Use this guide, Starting Your High School Journey, created by ACT, to help you get the most of your freshman year. It can help you carve a path for your sophomore, junior, and senior years in high school and ultimately give you a clear goal for your college experience and career.
The move from middle school to high school is exciting, but it can also be a little intimidating. There are new classes, new faces, and new courses that will help you set the path for your future. Now’s the time to discover everything that high school has to offer.
Next Guide: A Guide for TN Freshmen
Starting ninth grade is not just another grade transition. For most students it is a major life change. Coupled with tougher classes, more intense schedules, and greater social pressures, the transition from middle school to high school can be stressful, but also fun and exciting. But high school is just the first step toward the rest of your life.
The Next Guide: A Guide for Tennessee Freshmen is a resource to help scholars prepare for what’s “next” after high school graduation. Whether a scholar plans to enroll in a technical school, community college or university, join the military, or enter the workforce, the Next Guide contains resources that can help make those post-secondary goals a reality.
This Guide can’t provide every potential pathway to your future career and college, but it will be a good introduction to the world of college and the world of work. Take notes, ask questions, and become engaged in the process, because going to high school, college, and preparing for the real world takes time, planning, and a lot of support. DON’T FORGET, Counselor Burns-Baker is available throughout the year to help you through every step and answer questions.
Click the link below to access the Next Guide for Tennessee Freshmen.
Four-Year High School Checklist
College Planning List: Grade 9
College Admissions Test Prep
Most colleges require that you complete some type of college entrance exam — either for admission, scholarships and merit aid, or as a specific program requirement for majors like nursing and engineering. These tests measures what scholars learn in high school.
The PSAT 8/9 will be administered to all freshmen scholars on Tuesday, October 3. The PSAT 8/9 is designed to be taken as the start of the high school journey. It will help scholars understand their current knowledge and skills and how to reach their goals. The results will help establish a baseline as they start their high school journey, and help their professors focus classroom instruction to support their growth. They’ll also get guidance to help them explore careers that match their interests and skills and information to help you search for colleges.
To learn more about the PSAT 8/9 click the link below.
Freshman College Tour
Before choosing a college, scholars visit college campuses to preview the college experience. A campus visit includes an information session and walking tour of the campus led by members of the college community. During Spring 2024, freshman scholars will take a college tour.
The Freshman Field Experience aims to support scholars grasp and understand different facets of what colleges and universities require. They will also learn how to choose a college or university that fits their criteria for what they choose to major in when going to college. Past college tours include Murray State University (for Racer Day), Austin Peay State University, and Lane College.
The associated cost of the trip is approximately $30. An announcement will provide additional information regarding this trip in Spring 2024.