Grade 9 is more than just a transitional year—it marks the official start of high school in the American education system. It’s when students begin earning credits, building their GPA, joining extracurriculars, and shaping a clear roadmap toward international university admissions. For students aiming to study abroad, this is the golden window to start building a competitive academic and personal profile.
Why Is Grade 9 a Crucial Turning Point?
In the U.S. education system, grade 9 initiates a four-year high school journey. From this point forward, academic records begin to count toward university applications. Students select electives, accumulate GPA, and actively participate in community projects, clubs, sports, and research.
For those attending international schools with global credentials, this is the foundation year for constructing a U.S.-standard college portfolio—including transcripts and personal portfolios. A delayed start in planning can result in a disadvantage compared to international peers.
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TAS: Empowering Grade 9 Students to Build a Strong Academic Pathway
At The American School (TAS), ninth-grade students participate in academic orientation sessions and receive personalized mentoring to align with their long-term goals—whether that’s earning international credentials, applying for scholarships, or pursuing specialized academic fields.
Through TAS’s mentoring system, students collaborate with teachers and alumni to define career directions early. They're encouraged to join community projects, write research papers, engage in the arts, and develop entrepreneurial ideas—all key components of a strong college application.
With a U.S.-standard curriculum, native English-speaking teachers, and a strategic university counseling system, TAS is an ideal launchpad for families seeking an early start on the path to international universities.

Join Our U.S. University Planning Seminar at TAS
TAS warmly invites parents and students in Grades 8–10 to attend our university planning seminar. Meet our academic advisors, university counselors, and alumni to explore how to effectively prepare for global academic success.
📍 Address: 6 Song Hanh Street, Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, HCMC
📞 Hotline: 0909 046 223
🌐 Website: https://www.tas.edu.vn
📘 Facebook Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/TheAmericanSchoolTAS
📧 Email: admissions@mytas.edu.vn
📝 Register to join the seminar here: https://tas.edu.vn/vi/admissions-page/enrollment-form