Sophomore College Planning Timeline
Fall
- Meet with your school counselor to talk about college and career options and to make sure you’re taking the most-appropriate classes. Learn more about the high school counselor’s role.
- Set goals for the school year. Working toward specific goals helps you stay motivated and focused.
- Keep up with your schoolwork. If you keep up with your tests, papers and homework assignments, you can celebrate successes and head off problems before they arise. Get homework tips.
- Get ready to take preliminary exams. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT or the PLAN this fall can help you prepare for college admission tests. Sophomores can also use their score reports to figure out which academic areas they need to work on. Learn more about the PSAT/NMSQT.
- Review your PSAT/NMSQT or PLAN results. Your score report indicates your academic strengths and weaknesses. Log in to My College QuickStart to get personalized feedback based on your PSAT/NMSQT score report.
- Start thinking about ways to pay for college. Most students get help paying for college costs. Read 7 Things You Need to Know About Financial Aid to learn more.
- Discuss next year’s classes. Make sure you are challenging yourself — and taking the courses college admission officers expect to see. Learn more about the high school classes that colleges look for.
- Make a college wish list. Think about qualities you may want in a college in terms of location, size, majors offered and so on. Check out How to Find a College That Fits You to learn more about deciding on college must-haves.
- See how much you need to save for college. Use the College Savings Calculator to get an idea of where you are in terms of your savings goal.
- Make summer plans. Summer is a great time to explore interests and learn new skills — and colleges look for students who pursue meaningful summer activities. Find out ways to stay motivated this summer
- PSAT Information Frequently asked questions about the PSAT, NMSQT
Discover CSU
Honors CSU Days
UNC Summer Leadership Camp
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is a life-changing leadership training program for young men and women where leadership skills and principles are learned, developed and enhanced in an atmosphere of trust and respect. The purpose of RYLA is to encourage and assist current and potential youth leaders in methods of responsible and effective leadership. Many past RYLArians have said, "It was the best week of my life!"
Please visit the website at www.rmryla.org for an application and for more information.
ECONOMICS FOR LEADERS-Economics for Leaders (EFL) is a selective residential summer program for current high school sophomores and juniors. EFL sessions teach young leaders how to integrate economics into the process of decision-making in a hands-on experiential environment. Classes are taught by economics professors and leadership instructors selected, nationwide, for their expertise and teaching effectiveness. EFL builds valuable leadership skills, helps students develop long-lasting connections and, according to many EFL alumni, is “one of the best experiences of their lives.” FULL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!
ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CAMP
The Society of American Military Engineers and the United States Air Force Academy sponsor an annual Engineering and Construction Camp for select high school freshman and sophomores. The camp offers an opportunity for students from all over the United States and the world to learn hands-on engineering skills and other group activities on the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
To qualify for consideration, students must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizen
- Have completed at least their freshman year of high school
- Intent to pursue a degree in architecture, engineering or a related field
- Demonstrated leadership characteristics
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- Be physically fit and healthy
- Be of high moral character