Pre-College Planning, Grades 9 & 10

Freshman year is a transition to a new set of peers, to a new environment, to new academic expectations…high school is simply a new experience! This year is a time for students to develop their independence, to hone time-management skills, and to grow intellectually, academically, and religiously. We encourage students to explore extracurricular activities, discover academic interests, connect with each other and with faculty mentors, and utilize the resources Ramaz provides.

At the same time, freshman grades count! It is important to begin high school academics with a serious commitment to learning. In the spring, the college office meets with freshman parents to offer a brief overview of how freshmen can best prepare themselves for the future while enjoying their freshman and sophomore years.

It is not too early to think about college financial planning. Ramaz has partnered with College Money Method to offer a 4-year, comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of the financial aid process.

During sophomore year, students continue to grow intellectually, gain new academic skills, pursue extracurricular interests, identify possible leadership positions, and feel at home in the Ramaz community. Sophomore year is a good time to begin a process of self-reflection and goal-setting for the remainder of high school.

Sophomore parents will continue to attend webinars and utilize the tools and resources on our College Money Method website to seek guidance about planning to apply for financial aid. In the spring, college advisors are assigned to the sophomore class. The College Office hosts an evening meeting for parents of sophomores to introduce the college guidance process, describe standardized testing, and answer questions.

College advisors also meet in the spring with small groups of students to informally answer questions and are available for sophomores to drop in and ask questions.