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HS Sophomores

getting prepared for college
College still seems so far away even for a HS sophomore. But note that every grade counts. So do you best in high school. Colleges look at every grade.

 

Monthly Tasks:

  1. Task1: mapping your road
  2. Task2: internet guides for college planning
  3. Task3: review college exams
  4. Task4: get to know yourself
  5. Task5: research job trends
  6. Task6: get a summer job
  8. print FREE "college planning checklist"

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Task1: Mapping Your Road

Use your sophomore year to map out your college plans.

Important tasks that your should consider:

  1. Meet with Your Guidance Department:
    design an academic blueprint for your sophomore, junior and senior years that ensure that you complete all of the required courses for college entrance.

  2. Develop Strong Academic Skills:
    continue developing those all important vocabulary, math, reading and problem-solving skills.

  3. Become familiar with the college entrance exams:
    namely the SAT and/or ACT. Plan to take some practice tests using PSAT practice booklets (see below).

  4. Develop those All-Important Extracurricular Skills:
    colleges love students who not only have strong academic backgrounds but also students who show interest in outside activities.

  5. Become familiar with the College Planning Process:
    link through the college planning calendar for juniors and seniors to get an idea what you need to do. See college planning calendar

  6. Start Saving Your Money:
    every dime counts when you think about college costs and personal needs. Having a cash fund will make college a fun experience.

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Task2: Internet Guides

Prepare yourself for college:

Making the most of high school:
collegeboard.com has tips on what you should do to get the most out of your high school
www.collegeboard.com

College admission offices prefer candidates that have good academic scores and who are involved in outside activities. Get involved with Junior Achievement for skill and extracurricular development:
http://www.ja.org/

Do you need help with your academic courses:
visit our college prep center for study guides and notes

 

Link to college web sites to get an idea about college life and requirements

Visit college online web sites to get a flavor for what college life is like:

find your college: college search directory
view college rankings: click here

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Task3: Review College Exams

Get with your guidance counselor (or teachers, if you don't have access to a guidance counselor) about the following college exams:

Advance Placement Exams:

you should consider taking Advanced Placement Exams or CLEP tests in your Junior and Senior years. This allows you to test out of some college courses that can save you time and money.

The exams are administered each year in the Spring with some preparation required prior to the exam. Check with your school for exam administration, enrollment and information.

  • Information about the advanced placement program:
    the collegeboard administers the AP exams. This site has all the information you need including test programs and dates:
    www.collegeboard.com

    View our advanced placement prep/study guides:
    includes prep planning books and other reading materials that can help you with these exams:
    click here for advanced placement materials

 

College Entrance Exams:

almost all colleges and some trade programs require a college entrance exam for admission. These exams measure your ability to understand college-level materials.

You will take these exams in your junior year. So get some practice with the college entrance "preparation" exams. It will help on the day of the real exam.

The PSAT is usually offered in October and November. The test is generally offered through your school. Check with your school counselor on dates.

 

Why take these college prep exams:

  • to help prepare for the real test. You will be familiar with the type of questions being asked
  • to help you take tests under timelines. It is important that you work quickly so that you can complete the entire test.
  • to view your strengths and weaknesses for college study. You can then focus on areas that can improve your skills.
  • to view how your performance compares with other students who are applying for college

    Information about the PSAT (practice exams):
    the PSAT is the test prep exam for the SAT I and SAT II. The SAT tests are administered on behalf of colleges.
    www.collegeboard.org

    ACT test preparation:
    some colleges use the ACT test. You need to check your college to determine which test they use for admittance.
    www.actstudent.org

    View our college entrance exam prep center:
    click here for college prep materials

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Task4: Get to Know Yourself

Take some personal self-assessment tests to determine your aptitude and character for job opportunities.

Understanding your personality type will help determine what career opportunity will bring you the most satisfaction.

 

What to shape a better you?

  • How to build a well-rounded character:
    reviews how planning, discipline and timely execution can build a better you for success:

    FREE Download
    Complete guide on discipline and character building. Has illustrations on the building blocks of success.

    view our "building success" module: FREE downloads

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Task5: Research Job Trends

Research future career opportunities to help decide what you want out of college.

Find out what jobs are going to be hot and what jobs are not. This will help decide whether to go to college, vocational school or jump right into your career:

  • From the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
    occupational outlook by category: provides insight on the training need, work environment, earnings, expected job prospects and more. It's a valuable resource to help decide what career you may like.
    www.bls.gov/oco

    projections on what's hot and what's not. Includes employment statistics and the fastest growing careers:
    www.bls.gov/emp

    provides information on careers from an occupational perspective
    www.bls.gov/oco/cg

  • Individual State Labor Statistics:
    occupational projections by state and region — helps determine where you may need to locate for the best growth
    www.projectionscentral.com

    Link to individual State economic, job and occupation trends:

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Task6: Get a Summer Job

Use the summer to raise money you will need for college.

That money can be used for tuition, housing, transportation and even entertainment.

If you worked last summer with a job that you liked, go back and see if you can work with them again. Or try to find a different summer job that fits your career goals:

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College Planning Guide

Study Notes - Term Papers

College can be a challenge. So get all of the help you need:

  • cliff notes ®
  • spart notes ®
  • books for dummies ®
  • term papers
jump over to our study notes area
 
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