GPA is one of the most important data points that colleges consider when reviewing applications. Colleges want to see that applicants have challenged themselves academically and have taken rigorous courses that prepare them for college-level work.

In 9th grade, most courses are typically at a standard level, with a few honors or Advanced Placement (AP) courses available for some students.

Taking rigorous courses not only demonstrates academic rigor but can also give you a GPA boost due to weighted grading systems that some high schools use. Colleges want to see that you have taken challenging courses and have performed well in them. However, as you move through high school, you should try to take more honors or AP courses, if they are available and you feel ready for the challenge.

Additionally, it is important to choose a course load that is challenging but also manageable for you. Taking too many difficult courses at once can lead to academic stress and burnout, which can negatively impact your GPA and overall wellbeing. It's important to find a balance between challenging yourself and managing your workload effectively.

It is important to review your transcript at the end of each year, typically in late summer, to ensure that all of the information is accurate. Your transcript is an official record of your academic performance.

Reviewing your transcript can help you identify any errors or discrepancies in your grades, classes, clubs, or GPA. If you notice any errors, you should contact your school's registrar or guidance counselor as soon as possible to have them corrected. It's important to address any errors on your transcript promptly to avoid any negative impact on your college applications.

In 9th grade, try to complete any mandatory courses like Health, Fine Arts, Personal Finance that are required for graduation. By completing these mandatory courses early on, you can free up more room in your schedule in later years to take more rigorous courses that align with your interests and academic goals.

Based on your college list, you may need to start planning courses starting 9th Grade. If your high school offers advanced Math and Science courses, it's a good idea to take advantage of these offerings. Colleges will evaluate your course load based on all the offerings available to you, so it's important to take the most challenging courses that are appropriate for your academic abilities and interests. In addition to Math and Science courses, you should also consider taking challenging courses in other subjects, such as English, History, and Foreign Language. These courses can also demonstrate academic rigor. For e.g., Princeton University recommends world language all four years, Carnegie Mellon recommends taking all higher-level Math courses your school offers (STEM Majors), Georgia Tech recommends taking AP Physics C (STEM majors). Adjust your course progression to accommodate these requirements starting 9th grade.

Depending on your school's policies and offerings, some courses may be available to take over the summer to free up space in your regular schedule. Personal Finance is a great example of a course that can often be taken over the summer, as it is typically not a required course for college admissions and can be completed outside of the regular academic year.

By taking courses over the summer, you can free up space in your regular schedule for more rigorous courses, extracurricular activities, or other pursuits that can help strengthen your college application. However, it's important to check with your guidance counselor or school to ensure that any courses you take over the summer will meet graduation requirements and be accepted by colleges you plan to apply to.

Stick with the core classes - Math, Science, English, Social Studies/History and World Language in all the four years of High School. 

While it may be acceptable to drop one subject in your senior year, it's important to replace it with other courses of equal rigor. This can include advanced courses that align with your academic interests and goals.

Taking core classes for all 4 years is the most important signal on your application. For students planning to pursue a STEM major, taking advanced courses in Math, Physics, and Chemistry can be especially important. This can include AP-level courses or other advanced courses offered by your school.