Some freshmen come into Coral Gables Senior High School with a plan on what they want to do and how they plan on doing it, and some do not. Regardless of preparedness, this is when the College Assistance Program steps in to refine plans and raise expectations.
For many, high school is where habits form before the heat of college applications. The program aims to take Cavaliers from their first day at Gables to successful strides beyond graduation. Just as physical health depends on balanced nutrition, Gables’ counselors argue that long-term success depends on five essential habits practiced consistently.
Intellectual Curiosity
Like a nutrient that keeps the mind active, intellectual curiosity fuels learning far beyond the classroom. Universities prioritize students who demonstrate a deep, authentic connection to their studies over those who simply “check the boxes” for grades. Going into the freshmen Inquiry Skills classes, the counselors answered questions about the college experience they strive for.
“These presentations [that we looked over with the freshmen,] with topics such as what colleges look for, are just us going and making sure they are aware of the college process and what it takes now to get into college, even beyond the scope of academic grades and test scores,” Ms. Suarez said.
When students embrace curiosity, they become active participants in their education rather than passive receivers of information. The CAP advisors encourage students as freshmen to explore without fear of failure, to try classes that will be challenging for them and discover what ignites a spark to build academic confidence.
Students are pushed to wonder why and how, presented with a process where curiosity matures into initiative, leading to independent projects, leadership roles and meaningful involvement in Gables’ community.
Community Impact & Consistent Engagement
Impact is more than just logged community service hours, it is where effort and empathy meet. Colleges look for students who understand that true leadership is rooted in service.
“At Gables, impact is measured by your role in your community. This year, I am serving my school while being part of the Interact board. Interact has opened doors of opportunities for me and others in a way that I would never have imagined before: I can contribute and change lives with a simple extracurricular,” freshman Carla Acosta said.
Gables’ counselors emphasize that real impact requires patience and consistency, often without guaranteed recognition. Through service, students can learn how different systems work and how their skills can meet real needs outside of school. Colleges values these experiences because they push students to think critically and adapt when plans fall short. When students connect service to personal growth, admissions officers take notice.
Initiative
In the lens of the college admissions process, leadership is more than a title; it is the ability to inspire action. Whether starting a program or proposing a solution to a school-wide problem, initiative shows a willingness to act rather than wait. At Gables, these traits appear in classrooms, clubs and student-led projects every day. Initiative is defined by the moments students step forward without being told.
“Since taking dance as a kid, I noticed kids with disabilities weren’t able to actively participate. When the presentations happened, I knew I had to take my chance and make my idea a project in which I can lead and collaborate with other students and unique dancers who are capable of helping. It was my wake-up call,” freshman Valeria Florentino said.
In ninth grade, leadership often begins quietly, through organizing peers and classmates or supporting a team. Over time, these choices shape individuals who do not simply participate, but remain involved.
Collaboration
Collaboration requires more than dividing tasks. Students learn to communicate ideas clearly and resolve conflicts, all skills that transform group work from a chore into shared investment.
“When doing a group project, I always look for students whom I haven’t yet worked with. I began doing this as a way to include others when other groups didn’t, and soon it became a way for me to consistently collaborate with new people every time,” freshman Catherine Del Castillo said.
Collaboration teaches students that progress accelerates when their strengths are shared, especially in academic and extracurricular settings. Colleges seek qualities that benefit other students and their campus community. By building these habits in ninth grade, students learn to value collective effort over individual credit, preparing them for the collaborative nature of the modern workforce.
Ninth grade is not a dress rehearsal, but it is not a final verdict either. It is the period where college readiness paves its way through habits, not heroics. Colleges are not searching for transcripts with a “spotless” record; they are looking for students who can commit and continue moving forward with purpose.
Small choices in ninth grade can carry the most weight. When students choose to revise an essay or stick with an activity, they open doors to opportunities later in life. High school achievements are written one decision at a time. When freshmen chooses consistency over perfection, they shape futures that are wide open.
