Sophomores

Sophomore year is an important year in the world of college admissions. It is the start of standardized testing and a good time to begin to think about where you might like to go to college and what you need to accomplish to make that a reality. Refer to the school bulletin for important information for sophomores. The Weekly Guidance News gives an overall view of college needs.

Here are some general guidelines

• Continue to take challenging courses. Review high school graduation requirements, college entrance requirements, and collegiate athletic requirements, if applicable, and make sure you are taking the proper courses.
• Take advantage of career interest inventories to determine possible career choices. Naviance is great for this. Go to My Personality Test and follow the directions.
• Learn about the PSAT and PLAN. Take the PLAN, and consider taking the PSAT. Watch for sign-up announcements. High achieving students in particular should familiarize themselves with the PSAT and consider doing some PSAT test prep over the summer before junior year, because PSAT scores are used to select National Merit Scholars and National  Achievement Scholars.
• If you are enrolled in advanced courses, consider taking an SAT Subject Test in those courses. Talk with your teachers about whether and when to take these tests.
• Work hard and get good grades. Your GPA is just one piece of the puzzle, but it is an important one.
• Continue to be involved in extracurricular activities and search out leadership roles. Continue volunteering.
• Continue documenting your activities, honors, and awards. Remember Naviance has a resume and you can document everything on this site.
• Start to research colleges and universities and explore possible majors and careers on Naviance. Start a calendar of important dates and deadlines.
• Visit colleges when they are in session and start to compare what you like and dislike about them.
• Start to look at financial aid information.
• Make your summer count. Find opportunities to study, volunteer, or explore an area of interest.