The thought of finally graduating from middle or high school and progressing to higher education is refreshing. High school and college are filled with many adventures, and being a freshman is the first step in experiencing the highs and lows.
However, sometimes you can feel intimidated thinking about what awaits you in high school or freshman year of college. In fact, it’s easy to make rookie mistakes during this time, but that’s okay.
The upside is that you’ll grow and learn more about yourself, make new friends, and build confidence over time. Check out the ages of freshmen, other student classifications, and tips for a good freshman year in this article.
What is freshman year?
Freshman year is the first year of high school, college, or university. It is equivalent to the ninth grade in high school, so the ninth-graders are collectively referred to as freshmen.
This is possibly the easiest year of high school or college. As a ninth grader, you don’t need to take AP courses, and core courses are much easier than higher-level courses.
In freshman year of college, students also take general courses, most of which are a continuation of high school courses.
How old is a freshman in high school?
The freshman year is equivalent to the ninth grade in high school. This is the first year of high school and the average age of the students is between 14 and 15 years old.
However, the age may vary slightly depending on when a student begins Kindergarten. Some students may also age above 15 if they repeated a class in elementary school or encountered some delay in their academics.
In general, freshman year of high school is considered an extension of 8th grade, with the same group of students graduating together into high school.
How old is a freshman in college?
In college, a freshman is a student who is in their first year of college. Typically, the first year of college is called freshman year. First-year students are basically 18 to 19 years old.
Freshman year of college is unlike anything a student has ever experienced. This is the first time many students are away from home. At this stage, you have to make your own decisions and learn to live independently.
You’ll have to find ways to balance your academic and social life, make new friends, and adjust to new surroundings. It is common for many students to make a series of mistakes during their freshman year, but eventually, you will find your feet.
Other classifications for high school and college students
1. Sophomore
Upon successful completion of freshman year, students progress to their second year of high school or college, commonly referred to as sophomore year.
It is equivalent to the tenth grade in high school, and students are usually between the ages of 15 and 16 in high school.
This is when students begin preparing for the college application process as well as participating in extracurricular activities.
Additionally, it is a time to develop the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills they need to thrive in school and in life.
In college, sophomore year is the time when students are advised to start thinking about a career path to follow. Here, classes are still average, but more advanced than in freshman year.
Typically, college sophomores are between the ages of 19 and 20. A sophomore year can be a fun time because you’re no longer a freshman and you have more opportunities to enjoy a better social life.
2. Junior
This is the third year of high school or university study. The junior year is equivalent to the eleventh grade in high school, and students are usually between the ages of 16 and 17.
It is a critical period for high school students. Students are advised to begin preparing for college and this may include being active in sports, focusing more on their studies, pursuing military opportunities, and scouting for the college they want to attend.
In college, students must declare their major at the beginning of their junior year. Courses are more specialized to prepare students for their desired careers. The average age of juniors is between 20 and 21 years old.
3. Senior
Senior year is the fourth year of study at high school, college, or university. The average age for high school seniors is 17 to 18 years old. It’s the last class before graduating high school and going to college.
Like high school seniors, college seniors are in their final year of undergraduate study. They are usually between the ages of 21 and 22, but students who take breaks during their studies or do not graduate in four years are usually older.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Freshman Year
Amid the excitement of entering college, there are always mixed feelings due to the uncertainty that comes with it. Many students will part ways with their longtime best friends and move to new surroundings.
Not to mention, you will be away from your mom, dad, and siblings who have been pillars of support and comfort. Now, you have to start over, meet new people, make new friends, adjust to a new school, and excel academically.
If you think about all of this, the thought of freshman year in college can scare you. However, the good news is that you can make the most of your first year of college, and here are some tips to help you get through it:
1. Prioritize your academics
As a college freshman, it’s easy to get distracted by so many things. From partying to making new friends to finally feeling free.
However, your academics should come first. Make sure to put your classes, homework, and projects ahead of anything else.
If you’re going to a party, complete your assignment before you go. Doing homework can help you understand the course better. Moreover, you don’t want to get into your instructor’s bad books in your first year in college.
Set boundaries for yourself when you go out, too. For example, refuse to party all night. Be sure to consider your class schedule before or while you’re out so you don’t miss classes, as many professors place a high priority on attendance.
2. Plan ahead for outings
As an undergraduate, there will be many opportunities to socialize and have fun. There’s nothing wrong with doing all of this, but be careful not to overdo it. First, rule out impromptu parties or fun outings.
Instead, always try to plan your outings ahead of time. It’s common for friends to invite you to unplanned events, but it helps if you politely ask them to let you know beforehand.
3. Schedule your study time
Unlike high school, you won’t be in regular classes in college. In fact, there will be many free days. But if you’re not careful, you may probably get carried away and accomplish nothing.
It’s a good thing to organize your time, especially study time. You can draw up a reading schedule. It will be best to keep away distractions such as mobile phones while studying. This will help you focus better and achieve more while reading.
FAQs
Is freshman year hard?
No, freshman year is usually much easier than senior year. However, students may experience challenges adjusting to a new school and figuring out how to balance academics and social life.
Can a 16-year-old be a freshman?
Yes.
Students who started kindergarten after age 5, repeated during elementary classes, or had some unavoidable delay in their studies may be over 14 or 15 in freshman year.
Can you change majors in your first year of college?
Yes.
Most universities and colleges allow you to change majors during your first year since at this point students are essentially taking general education courses.
Final thoughts
Getting the most out of your freshman year is really important to have an exciting journey through college. It’s easy to be tempted by the feeling of freedom from your parents, but remember that you’re in school for your academics, and that should be a priority.
However, don’t be too focused on doing well academically that you forget to develop other areas of your life. The aim of the University is to build comprehensively for the future. You have to consciously develop the soft skills needed to thrive in life.
In addition to studying hard, get involved in social or community activities, join a club, seek internship opportunities, and volunteer for projects.
Finally, you will come across a lot of words that may confuse you as a freshman. Find out the differences between a degree and a major, two common words in college.
Thanks for reading.
