Sophomore College Planning Timeline

  • Fall
    • In October, take the ASPIRE, a practice ACT Test which helps determine your study habits and academic progress and interests. This test will help prepare you for the ACT Assessment the junior year. Some students will take the PSAT Test, Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Qualifying Test for practice. When you fill out your answer sheet, check the box that releases your name to colleges and universities so you can start receiving information from them.
    • Take advanced math and science courses if possible and a second year of world language.
    • Become familiar with general college entrance requirements.
    • Participate in the school's career development activities through Naviance
    • Continue to participate in co-curricular activities and community service.
    Winter
    • Understand your ASPIRE or PSAT results and college readiness benchmarks.
    • College admissions officers aren't just looking at grades, rigor of coursework is important.
    • Work toward leadership positions in the activities that you like best. Continue to get involved in community service and other volunteer activities.
    • Read, read, read. Read as many books as possible from a comprehensive reading list.
    • Work on your writing skills-you'll need them no matter what you do.
    • Find a teacher or another adult who will advise and encourage you to write well.
    • Investigate summer enrichment opportunities on the Naviance website.
    Spring
    • Keep your grades up so you can have the highest GPA and percentile possible.
    • Ask your school counselor about College Credit Plus and Advanced Placement courses.
    • Continue to explore interests and careers that you think you might like.
    • Begin zeroing in on the type of college you would prefer (two-year or four-year, small or large, rural or urban, etc.)
    • If you are interested in a military academy, now is the time to get started planning and getting information.
    • Research college and university's specific academic requirements.
    • Visit some college campuses. Read all of the mail you receive from colleges. You may see something you like.
    • Attend college fairs.
    • Keep putting money away for college. 
    • Attend a summer enrichment program.
    • Consider taking SAT Subject Tests in the courses you took this year while the material is still fresh in your mind.