When a student becomes a freshman, everything starts to “count.” Freshman courses, grades, credits, and attendance become part of each student’s transcript.  Freshman activities, honors, and awards can be listed on college and scholarship applications.  

• Attend Freshman Parent Night hosted by Hingham High School administrators and school counselors. Freshman Parent Night is held in September and reviews important material pertinent to freshmen.
• If you are  having any problems adjusting to high school, if classes are too easy or too difficult, or if any other problems arise, contact your  school counselor immediately. 
• Monitor academic progress in Aspen X2. Make sure that you see all mid-term progress reports and report cards.  Freshman grades are important!   Stay in touch with teachers and school counselors. 
• Become involved in a variety of activities. Participate in activities outside of school. (i.e. church, scouting, recreational sports). Meaningful community service is always impressive.  Involvement in co-curricular activities will enhance your personal growth.
• Activity Sheet The purpose of the activity sheet is to capture all the activities, service, and work you have participated in during your high school career.  In addition, you should record any honors or awards associated with your activities.  Begin during your freshman year and keep adding to it.  Your counselor will ask you for this form at the end of your junior year and will use the information in your college recommendation.   In addition, The Common Application requires you to highlight this information, so it will be helpful for you to have it recorded in one document.  Finally, the teachers whom you ask to write recommendations for you may also ask for the activity sheet.
•  In the spring, review your four-year plan, making certain that you have selected the most appropriate courses for sophomore year. 
• Choose meaningful activities for the summer months. Many excellent summer programs are available on college campuses. There are also a wide variety of more traditional summer activities. For example, you could join an athletic team, take a course, mow lawns, baby-sit, perfect a skill, take lessons, develop a hobby, read, and/or volunteer at a local hospital or nursing home. 
• June and July complete summer reading.