"To Do's" for Sophomores

1. CLASSES -   Make sure you are enrolled in the right classes.  Colleges like 4 years of English, Math, History, Science and a foreign language.  Moreover it’s the classes that you take combined with the grades you receive that are the most important thing to colleges when they review your application.  Enroll in the most competitive classes you can handle.  Also you may want to look for some non-traditional classes which might give you an opportunity to stand out.  Instead of French or Spanish, does your school offer Chinese?
2. SHOPPING - Start window shopping.  Go to college fairs.  See what colleges might interest you. See what they require.  Also talk to people who have gone to college or are currently attending to get their thoughts.  Some people may be a little goofy but others will say things that really strike a chord with you.  The more people you talk to the better.  Not only is it more information about more universities but you will start to see patterns and detect outliers.   Go to your guidance office, meet with your counselor and begin your college research.
3. TEACHERS & COUNSELORS - Build relationships.  Don’t just be a face in the crowd.  You might need a letter of recommendation from them one day.  The closer the relationship the better the letter will be.  In fact, oftentimes the best letters don’t go to the best students but the students the teachers care about the most.  Give them the opportunity to care about you.
4. EXTRA-CURRICULARS -Get more involved in extracurricular activities.  There is no right number of activities.  It’s more about taking charge of your life and figuring out how to balance your time out of the classroom. For one student, one activity may be all they can handle because the activity is so time intensive and demanding or they have other obligations.  For another student, the right number may be three or four. If you are already involved in an activity or activities you enjoy, are there senior positions or additional responsibilities you can get.  This is a great opportunity for you to show initiative and other skills that might not be apparent on a transcript.  If you are not already involved in extracurricular activities, start exploring.  Think about what interests you and find places you’ll shine.  If there isn’t a club or organization that focuses on what you like, it’s a great opportunity to start your own club.  Again, taking initiative can be very impressive.
5. CALENDAR - Create a calendar.  Are there any AP tests or SAT subject tests you should take at the end of the year?  Are you planning on taking the PSAT or PLAN?  Are there workshops that might be useful regarding colleges, financial aid, the application process…?
6. TRIPS - Visit local colleges while they’re in session.  See what large schools, medium schools and small schools feel like.  Would you be comfortable at a school with a religious affiliation?  A single sex school…  They might not be what you expect.  Now is your chance to check things out without the pressure.
7. TESTS – Sign up early to take the PSAT/NMSQT and PLAN.  You can get test dates, register and get free tips on the www.ACT.com and www.collegeboard.com. You can also take either the SAT Reasoning Test or up to three SAT Subject Tests on one test day.  Plan your testing schedule carefully if you want to take both types of SAT.  In addition, don’t forget about AP Exams and SAT Subject Tests.  Not only will it look good to colleges if you do well on these exams, you may also get credit for your work and have fewer obligations upon entering college.  You want to take these tests soon after completing the coursework while the material is still fresh in your mind.  Lastly, visit the College Boards SAT Preparation Center to take a free full-length official practice test and get a score and skills report.  If the test does not go as well as you had hoped, DON’T FREAK!  One of the most important uses of this test is just to introduce you to this kind of standardized exam.  You will have plenty of opportunities to work on these skills and improve your score.  Moreover, not all schools look at these tests.  Lastly, there are obviously test prepatory classes many students take.  Look into these and figure out if and when might be the best time for you to take one. 
8. $$$ - Research the costs of attending college and opportunities for financial aid.  Calculate your EFC both through the Federal Methodology (www.fafsa.ed.gov or www.finaid.org ) and the Institutional Methodology (www.collegeboard.com).  There is a lot of information on the internet at your finger tips.  Not only is there information about tuition, financial aid and scholarships but there are also college savings calculators to see how much money you’ll need for college, whether you’re on track to save enough and what you’ll need to do to reach your financial goal.  These are all excellent activities to do with your parents.
9. HOLIDAYS - Look for great spring, summer and winter holiday break opportunities whether they are jobs, internships, volunteer positions and/or trips.  At this point, you know what your interests are.  See if you can build upon them. If you are interested in politics are there internships or volunteer positions.  If you are interested in sports, maybe you can work at a camp or perhaps even start your own.  I’ve heard of kids running one week camps at the end of the summer after most camps have ended but before school starts.  Brainstorm!  You may be amazed at what you come up with.  Not only can family, teachers, coaches and counselors be helpful in this process but so can friends of the family.And for those really ambitious consider starting a summer reading list.  Don’t only consider talking to your English teacher about her recommendations but if you’re really interested in history talk to you history teacher.  If science is your thing, talk to your science teacher.  Not only can this help broaden your understanding intellectually and inspire you academically, it can also broaden your relationships with your teachers. 
10. Dear Diary – Consider keeping a journal and write about your thoughts and experiences.  This is a great way to begin practicing your writing skills and who knows, you may end up journaling about a topic that one day becomes your personal statement on your college ap.s.  With the experience fresh in your mind you’ll be better able to chronicle the details and your impressions.
11. And a 1 and a 2 – Start keeping a list of your activities and add to it each year.  Include extra-curriculars, leadership positions held, athletic endeavors, employment, volunteer work, community service, awards, honors…
12. Internships – Considering a pre-professional program at college or think you know what you want to do after college.  Get an internship and see if expectations match reality.  Not only could this provide critical insight into programs and schools you may be considering, it’s also an opportunity for a great experience.   
13. For the Lucky Ones – If there’s a chance you’re eligible for scholarship, fellowship and/or honors, take a look at the application and see if there are any areas that you need to shore up.  Research experience?  Leadership experience?