S4E41: Freshman Year Check-In: The Essential Guide to Grades, Activities & Summer Planning

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down what freshmen (and their parents) should be thinking about as they wrap up their first semester of high school. From academic foundations to extracurricular exploration to strategic planning for summer, Thomas explains why the habits students build now will shape their options in junior and senior year — especially if they're aiming for selective or highly selective colleges.

Rather than overwhelming families with long-term predictions, Thomas focuses on practical, immediate steps freshmen can take to stay on track, reduce future stress, and explore their interests with intention.

Key Takeaways

• Academic Foundations Matter: Freshman year grades and mastery—not just passing—set the tone for your entire transcript. Weak foundations now become big problems in junior year.
• Teachers Should Know You: Asking questions, checking in after class, and building relationships early pays off later when rigor increases and recommendations matter.
• You Must Be Doing Something Outside of Class: Clubs, sports, jobs, community involvement—freshman year is about exploration, not perfection. But doing nothing is not an option.
• Summer Planning Starts Now: Applications for competitive or meaningful summer programs open between December and February. Freshmen need to be ahead of the curve, not scrambling in April.
• Choose Activities With Intention, Not Prestige: Freshman summer doesn't need to be fancy. Programs, jobs, volunteering, or personal projects all count—admissions officers care about why you did something and what you gained from it.
• Reading Is a Superpower: Regular reading builds critical thinking and reading speed, two skills that make a huge difference for future SAT/ACT prep and AP courses.

Freshman year sets the foundation for high school. This episode walks you through how to self-assess, course-correct, and plan ahead without burning out or getting caught up in panic culture.

Follow along on Instagram and TikTok @admittedlyco for more tips to stay ahead.