Sophomore year is a pivotal time for high school students. It's when they start making choices that will shape their future pathways. Whether you're a student or a parent, this checklist will help you ensure that sophomore year is productive and sets the stage for success in the years to come.
Explore College Options
This is a great time to start thinking about college. Begin by researching potential colleges online, considering factors like location, academic programs, and campus life. Tools like College Board’s BigFuture can be incredibly helpful.
Attend College Fairs or Virtual Information Sessions: These events provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about various institutions. Take notes, ask questions, and gather brochures.
Schedule Campus Visits or Virtual Tours: Visiting campuses, even virtually, can give you a feel for the college environment and help you refine your list of preferences. During sophomore year, you are really trying to get a feel for the different types of schools: small liberal arts in a small town, large public university in a city, large public university in a college town, etc. This is a great time to do visits on campuses in your hometown or a short day trip away. While these may not ultimately be schools you want to consider, you will get a feel for the type of school that feels right so that you can focus in on your search.
Katie Garrett, founder of Garrett Educational Consulting, says that there are still many unknowns for students in their sophomore year. Grades, classes, standardized testing, etc., are still fluid. Now is the time to research the types of schools you might be interested in rather than the specific colleges or universities themselves.
Maintain a Strong GPA
Your GPA is one of the most critical factors in college admissions. Staying organized and prioritizing your study time is essential.
Seek Help When Needed: If you're struggling with any subjects, don't hesitate to ask for help from teachers or tutors. Bonus: Part of your college application is to ask for teacher recommendation letters. These can come from a teacher you had sophomore year. By seeking out help, you are developing a relationship with a teacher who may just write that letter for your college applications.
Take Challenging Courses: Enroll in advanced or honors classes to demonstrate academic growth and readiness for college-level work. It shows colleges that you’re willing to challenge yourself. This can be tricky as some students may feel the need to try and take all honors or advanced level courses. “That is not necessary to have success in the college admissions process,” says Katie. “Be realistic about your strengths as doing well in these classes is just as important as the number you are taking.”
Engage in Meaningful Extracurriculars
Colleges look for well-rounded students who are engaged in activities outside the classroom.
Join Clubs or Organizations that align with your interests and career goals. Whether it's the debate team, science club, or a volunteer group, find something that excites you. Just make sure to keep in mind the “quality over quantity” rule. Colleges are looking for students who have gone deep in a few areas rather than spread themselves out into many activities. Also - make sure the activities really matter to you and fit with the other interests that you will be spotlighting on your application. This helps with creating your “brand” and story when you are writing essays and completing your activities for your applications.
Take on Leadership Roles within these clubs or community service projects to demonstrate initiative and commitment. Leadership experience is highly valued by colleges. Remember - leadership is not only being the president of a club or the captain of a team. Taking on the responsibility of organizing activities within a club also counts! "Leadership doesn’t have to be shown through an organized club or extracurricular; you can create your own initiative based on your interests and personal passions,” says Katie.
Begin Building a College Resume
Start documenting your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and part-time jobs.
Update Your Resume Regularly to track your accomplishments and experiences throughout high school. This will make it easier to complete college applications later. “The Common App will specifically ask how many weeks per year and how many hours per week you participate in your activities, so make sure to track your time commitment as well,” says Katie.
Understanding College Finances: Keeping Realistic Goals in Mind
When researching colleges, it's crucial to keep your family's financial situation in mind to make informed and realistic decisions. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Assessing Overall Costs: Understand the full cost of attendance at each college, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses. Use college websites and tools like Net Price Calculators to get a clearer picture of what you might need to budget for each institution.
2. Financial Fit: Evaluate how each college fits into your family's financial plan. Discuss your budget openly and set realistic expectations about what is affordable. Consider both direct costs (tuition and fees) and indirect costs (living expenses, travel, etc.).
4. Scholarships and Merit Aid: Research scholarships that you may be eligible for, including local, national, and college-specific scholarships. Many colleges will automatically consider you for merit-based aid when you submit your application based on your academic performance and test scores in high school. Some schools are more generous with their merit aid than others. Jeff Selingo, the author of Why Gets in and Why, refers to these as buyer and seller schools; check out some of these schools HERE.
Pro Tip - Many schools list the criteria and amount of scholarships they award on their website. Do some research if this is important to your ability to attend these schools.
Plan Your Summer Break Productively
Summer breaks are perfect for both relaxation and productivity.
Enroll in Academic or Enrichment Programs to explore your interests or get ahead in coursework.
Look for Internships, Volunteer Opportunities, or Part-Time Jobs that align with your career goals or interests.
Balance Relaxation and Productivity. While it’s important to recharge, also invest time in activities that will enhance your college application and personal development.
Pro Tip: Many applications for summer programs open in late fall/early winter. If you are interested in one of these programs, begin your research now. That way, you can narrow in on opportunities you would be interested in and learn what the application requirements and deadlines are.
Katie reminds students, “There is no magic formula when it comes to summer planning and college admissions. How you spend your summer should depend on your goals and interests rather than trying to predict what it is a college wants. Authenticity is always key.”
Sophomore year sets the foundation for your future academic and career success. By following this checklist, you'll be well on your way to making informed decisions that will benefit you in the long run.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with our expert counselors at Garrett Educational Consulting to help you refine your path forward. Garrett Educational Consulting Provides college and boarding school admissions consulting for students in the Charlotte Metro area, around the US, and around the world. Click HERE for more information on our services.
Commentaires