What Should High School Sophomores Do To Prepare For College Applications?

Preparing for college starts early and requires thoughtful planning. As a rising sophomore in high school, it's important to balance excitement with the understanding that high school is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on maximizing your high school experience by becoming the best student you can be. Remember that success in college admissions begins with being a successful high school student.

It's crucial to lay the groundwork for college early in your high school career. So, let's delve into some helpful advice to make the most of your high school experience and prepare for the future.

Review Your Classes

First, review your class schedule to ensure you're challenging yourself while managing your workload. Consider taking advanced courses such as AP, IB, honors, or other advanced classes that interest you. Try elective courses that align with your future major or career interests. These specialized courses let you explore different subjects and see if they resonate with you. However, make sure you are focusing on core classes (english, math, science, social studies, world language) first. Do not skip one of these core classes to fit in an elective. Colleges will focus on the core classes before considering any electives.

Choose Your Extracurriculars Wisely

Colleges value committed and passionate students. When it comes to extracurricular activities, quality trumps quantity. Instead of joining every club or sport, find activities that genuinely interest you, whether it's theater, debate, athletics, or community service. Focus on developing leadership within these areas and commit yourself to activities you love. While you may not become the president or captain, immersing yourself in your activities early on sets the stage for future leadership opportunities.

Gain Work Experience

Work experience is also important. Whether it's a part-time job, babysitting, or an internship, colleges appreciate students with work experience. This shows commitment, responsibility, and the ability to contribute to a company in the future. Plus, it's a fantastic way to earn some extra money and learn valuable life skills.

Standardized Testing: Timing Is Everything

While it might be tempting to start preparing for the ACT or SAT right away, it's best to wait. Starting too soon can lead to burnout and unnecessary stress. These tests have changed over the years, so there's no sense in preparing for outdated versions. Instead, focus on cultivating a love for reading. Dive into books, blogs, articles, or any topic that interests you. This habit will not only foster a love for learning but also develop essential skills.

However, you can start to think about your testing timeline. To optimize your testing schedule during junior year, consider your activity calendar and avoid conflicts with significant events. Assess your math readiness, particularly your progress in Algebra 2. If you have completed Algebra 2, you can test anytime during junior year, but refreshing your geometry knowledge is advisable. If you are planning to take Algebra 2 during your junior year, it’s beneficial to complete at least one semester before testing to ensure you are well-prepared. This planning ensures you can perform your best without added stress.

PSAT & PACT Opportunities

Many high schools offer or require freshmen and sophomores to take the PSAT (or PSAT 8/9 or PSAT10) and/or a PACT. Embrace these opportunities! While we don't recommend intense preparation at this stage, taking them seriously will help you become more comfortable with formal standardized testing. This experience will pay off when it truly counts.

Exploring Your Interests & Career Options

It's never too early to start thinking about your future. What subjects intrigue you? Which career paths align with your passions? Identifying suitable schools for your desired career path is crucial. Although the college planning process is multifaceted, why not get a head start? Self-assessment tools can help you explore your interests and talents. And at North Shore College Consulting, we provide our students with a range of personality, learning style, and career exploration assessments throughout their first two years of high school to guide them on their journey.

Plan For Next Summer

Now is the perfect time to think about how you'll spend your next summer. Will you pursue a job or internship? Engage in volunteer work or travel? Perhaps consider creating your research project or community service initiative. Start developing a plan sooner rather than later.

While the summer provides an opportunity to relax, it's essential to be productive outside the classroom.

Enjoy The Journey

Remember, your high school experience sets the foundation for your academic and personal growth. Enjoy the journey, embrace opportunities, and make the most of these transformative years. Your efforts now will pay off in the long run, making your college application process smoother and more rewarding.