High School Freshman Year Game Plan: Eight Ways to Kick-Start Your Passions
Starting high school is an exciting milestone. You’re stepping into a world of new opportunities, challenges, and experiences. While college applications might seem light-years away, your freshman year is the perfect time to begin exploring your interests and developing your passions. By starting early, you can build a strong foundation not just for college applications but also for a fulfilling life.
Here are some practical steps you can take to uncover and cultivate your passions as a high school freshman.
1. Explore a variety of activities.
High school is a great time to try new things. Join clubs, play sports, audition for the school play, volunteer, or sign up for a coding class. The key is to cast a wide net. You might discover that you love something you’ve never tried before, like theatre, debate, photography, or robotics. And don’t feel pressured to stick with every activity. It’s okay to drop what doesn’t resonate with you and focus on what excites you most.
2. Follow your curiosity.
Passions often start with curiosity. The Common App prompt “Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time” triggers this kind of introspection. Consider research topics that take you down the “rabbit hole” or YouTube videos you just can’t get enough of. For some, it might be astronomy, environmental advocacy, or even baking; regardless, dive deeper into what intrigues you. Read books, take online courses, or connect with a teacher or other students who share your interest.
3. Set small goals.
Passions aren’t born overnight. They grow through consistent effort and engagement. If you love art, set a goal to complete a sketch every week. If you’re interested in community service, aim to volunteer a few hours each month. Small, achievable goals can help you build momentum and confidence.
4. Seek mentors and role models.
Finding someone who inspires you can make a big difference. Teachers, coaches, family friends, and other students can offer guidance and encouragement as you explore your interests. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek advice; most people are happy to help when they sense your enthusiasm.
5. Document your journey.
Keep a journal, blog, or portfolio of your experiences, reflections, and achievements. Records like this help you track your growth and impact, which become valuable material for your college essays. For example, if you start a garden to learn about sustainability, write about the challenges you faced, what you learned along the way, and your results. For example, a statement like “I started with just ten seeds, but they yielded more than 100 tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots” demonstrates your impact.
6. Find opportunities beyond school.
Your passions don’t have to be confined to your high school. Look for local workshops, summer programs, meetings, conferences, and internships that foster your interests. For example, if you’re passionate about writing, consider submitting to local contests or joining a community writing group.
7. Embrace challenges and failures.
Growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to take on something difficult or to fail along the way. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and refine your interests.
8. Think about impact.
As you develop your interests, consider how they can make a difference in the world. Colleges are often impressed by students who not only excel in their passions but also use them to contribute to their communities. For example, if you love technology, you might create an app to help local nonprofits.
Looking Ahead
By the time you’re a high school senior, your passions will likely play a central role in your college applications. Admissions officers love to see applicants who have pursued their interests with depth and dedication over time. More importantly, developing your passions will make your high school experience richer and more meaningful.
Remember, it’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out right away. Freshman year is just the beginning of your journey. Stay curious, stay open, and most importantly, have fun exploring all the possibilities that lie ahead.
By Natalie Grinblatt, a former admissions dean/director at three top business schools. Natalie has reviewed more than 70,000 applications, interviewed more than 2,500 candidates, and trained nearly 700 admissions directors and alumni volunteers to select outstanding candidates for admission. Her clients gain admission to top programs, including those at Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, MIT, Cornell, Columbia, Berkeley, Chicago, Northwestern, and NYU. Natalie holds an MBA from Michigan Ross. Want Natalie to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
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