Sophomore To Do List:


WADAYAWANNADO?

What do you want to do? Find somebody in your school that you can count on and trust.  Maybe a counselor or teacher. Maybe it's an adviser or teacher aide with whom you just connected. If there is someone in your life...they don't have to have any connection Go to the “CAREERS” page to track 3 stages in your CAREER selection process. I have always felt the best way to make the right choice is to have enough information. Following these simple steps will help you along your way.


PRACTICE SAT/PSAT…JUST PRACTICE

Have your student register for & take the PSAT (pre-SAT) and/or PLAN (pre-ACT). This provides a good chance to practice for these important college entrance tests.
The PSAT Practice test version is the best version for you to use in preparing for the SAT. Utilize free test preparation resources available online and elsewhere. The SAT and ACT web sites offer free practice tests as do web sites that focus specifically on college entrance exam test prep, including www.number2.com and www.testprepreview.com.
 

CONTINUE TO TAKE AND SUCCEED IN CORE COURSES

Check once again to be sure your student’s course schedule is matching up with his/her intended diploma and the career path he or she may want to pursue. If your student does not have a clear career path at this point (and many do not at this age), be sure he or she is on a diploma track that will maximize college options.


BEGIN INVESTIGATION ON COLLEGES

There are different types of colleges available. Find the type of college that might fit you.
  • Public institutions/universities
  • Private colleges
  • Vocational schools
  • Community colleges
Begin to talk with your student about what he or she may want in a college. Encourage him/her to search web sites and other resources for more information on colleges of interest. I have found www.petersons.com to be a pretty good and unbiased search program for different colleges and universities available nationwide. Also, www.bls.gov will provide some information regarding higher education opportunities.

STAY INVOLVED IN EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Be sure to begin documenting your student’s achievements (in school, athletics, music, etc.) Having this information handy and well-organized will be very important when it comes time to complete college and scholarship applications.
Join DECA, SkillsUSA, HOSA (Health Occupations Society of America), FBLA, CCLA, etc. etc. Check with your guidance office, career services and student services offices to get more info on these organizations. They give you an opportunity to practice what you do and win awards! Based on competitions in certain skills that you have, you could win thousands of dollars in scholarships and other great prizes!

 

SAVE YO MONEY!

Continue to save for college. Every family will have to contribute something toward the cost of attending college. Although the college years may not be far off, remember that anything you can put away now will be welcomed assistance when the time comes. Early and consistent savings are the keys to savings growth. Go to www.savingforcollege.com and www.salliemae.com for more information on how savings can affect financial aid.
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