Opportunities for 9th Graders (Freshmen)
697 listings accept 9th graders, and 281 are open to apply now.
Freshman year is earlier than most selective programs start accepting students, but it's far from empty. Competitions, volunteering, library and museum teen programs, and many free summer programs are open from 9th grade, and they're the easiest place to start because most don't ask for prior experience.
The best use of 9th grade is trying a few things to find what you actually like, then going deeper on one. A competition you enter now or a volunteer role you keep for a few years usually says more about you later than one impressive-sounding program.
Open to 9th graders right now
Common questions
Can 9th graders get internships?
Some, yes. Most formal internships start at 10th or 11th grade, but city youth employment programs, museum and library teen roles, and some nonprofit internships accept freshmen, often from age 14.
What should a freshman do in the summer?
Anything that builds a real interest: a free summer program, a volunteer role, a competition, or a project of your own. Selective research programs mostly start later, so there's no need to chase them yet.
Are there scholarships for 9th graders?
A few, mostly essay and project contests with cash awards. Most college scholarships are for seniors, so the bigger payoff now is building the record those scholarships ask about.