Your brother is starting 9th grade next year and is thinking about going to college. what steps would you recommend he take?

He needs to take lots of AP classes, and if you get enough credits from that it will help him a lot.

I would recommend him to take courses that suit the field he wants to work in.
For example, if he's into being a doctor - I would advise him to take an extra nursing course (if it's allowed) and pay attention and try and ace his tests in Science, Biology, Health, or even maybe take a Spanish Course for people that don't speak English! Colleges like when you can speak another language fluently.
I would advise him to take his time and look into different colleges that suit him, it's never too early in High School! He should also go to his guidance counselor and check out his options! They have brochures and more information that he'd need! (:
I hope all is well, and I helped! Good luck, rockstar! (: