Sophomore Year of High School Checklist TKG

Sophomore Year of High School Checklist If you’re reading this as a sophomore or a parent of a sophomore, then you’re almost at the end of the first semester of sophomore year--can you believe it? If you’re reading this as a freshman or parent of one, you’re ahead of the game and want to understand what your next 18 months are going to look like. We personally work well with lists--to-do lists, college lists, grocery lists...you name a task, we love it in list form. They help us feel organized and in control and that’s what we hope to do for you with the following checklist for sophomore year. We want to emphasize that every student is different, so if some items on this checklist don’t apply to you, or might apply with different timing, that’s okay. Think of our list as a jumping-off point for customization and specification. Sophomore Year Master Checklist Semester 1 (Fall/Winter): Enroll in a rigorous selection of courses that show that you’re challenging yourself. If APs are an option, take them. Get As in all of your courses! If you’re struggling, get some help.Start researching (and even touring) colleges. Complete practice SAT and ACT tests (no studying beforehand!) to determine the exam for which you’ll be studying and sitting. Free options here and here. Start looking at summer opportunities for next summer: do you want to work? Intern? Enroll in a program? Some application deadlines are as early as November (Yale Young Global Scholars, for example).Attend any college fairs happening at your school, even if you’re the only sophomore there. Enroll in or continue participating in 2-4 extracurricular activities that are: 1) relevant to your interests, and 2) have potential for leadership opportunities. Voice your desire to take on more responsibility, early. Responsibility=leadership. If there’s nothing at school that interests you, start your own club. Create a resume if you haven’t done so already. While you might not have much to put on it yet, it’s good to create it now and continue to add and build as time goes on.Semester 2 (Winter/Spring):Continue to excel in your classes and maintain As. Introduce yourself to your college counselor. It’s not too early. Enroll in a test-prep course or get a tutor for the SAT or ACTs.Register for your first SAT or ACT sitting in the spring. If appropriate timing, register and sit for one or two SAT II exams in relevant subjects.Finalize and submit all summer program applications.Get ahead on any leadership opportunities in your extracurricular activities. The seniors are getting ready to graduate, which means positions are opening up.Continue to schedule and complete college visits. When choosing junior courses, follow the same principles above: your schedule should reflect your ability to excel in the highest level courses available to you.Update your resume.Summer:Create a schedule of your summer and a list of goals that include: completing of your structured programs and goals for your unstruc tured time. Enrolling in an online course or two that are relevant to your interests. Create a list of books that are relevant to your interests and read them. We’ve created some for you here and here and here.   Find some time to relax. Junior year can be stressful and your mental health is important. Take a moment to pause and recharge for the year ahead.Update your resume. We weren’t kidding when we said that we love lists, so let us know if you need us to create a more customized sophomore year checklist for you and your student.