Pre-College Planning, Grades 9 & 10 - The Ramaz School my Pre-College Planning, Grades 9 & 10 Grade 9 Grade 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. It is not too early to think about college financial planning. Parents considering applying for financial aid are invited to a Financial Aid Night in October and have access to the SmartTrack website 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. In October, parents are invited to a Financial Aid Night. Throughout the year, parents have access to tools on the SmartTrack website for guidance about planning to apply for financial aid. In the spring, the college advisors host 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.