• Sophomore (10th Grade) Year

     

    • Meet with your high school counselor – again. Be sure to meet with your school counselor to ensure that your course schedule is challenging enough to prepare you for college.
      • Check into any prerequisites for advanced-level junior and senior-year courses.

     

    • Take the PSAT 10. Depending on your school, you might have the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT in October.  It provides valuable feedback on your college readiness and a free, personalized plan to help you start getting ready for the SAT – and for college.

     

    • Ask if the PSAT/NMSQT is offered to 10th graders. Although this test is usually given in the 11th grade, it is also often offered in the 10th  That’s because it provides valuable feedback through the Student Score Report.  You can then work on any of your academic weaknesses while there is still plenty of time to make improvements.

     

    • Are you interested in attending a U.S. Military academy? If so, you should request a pre-candidate questionnaire.

     

    • Along with your family, do some research about how to obtain financial aid. Many students use financial aid to cover college costs.  Find out what financial aid is, where it comes from, and how you can apply for it.  Read the U.S. Department of Education’s Funding Your Education (about federal aid programs).

     

    • Attend college and career fairs. The fairs often take place in the fall at your school or in your area.

     

    • Participate in school activities or volunteer efforts. Extracurricular activities can help you develop time-management skills and enrich our high school experience.

     

    • Talk to your counselor about your plans for life after high school. He or she can help you plan your schedule, search for colleges, and navigate the financial aid process.  The more your counselor knows about you, the more he or she can help you along the way.

     

    • Tour college campuses. If possible, take advantage of vacation or other family travel time to visit colleges and see what they are like.  Even if you have no interest in attending the college you are visiting, it will help you learn what to look for in a college.