High-school Sophomore

Plan for the Year Ahead

• Meet with your counselor to discuss your college plans. Review your schedule with him or her to make sure you're enrolled in challenging classes that will help you prepare for college. Colleges prefer four years of English, history, math, science, and a foreign language.
• Start a calendar with important dates and deadlines.
• Get more involved with your extracurricular activities.
• Go to college fairs in your area.

Prepare for Tests

• Talk to your counselor and teachers about taking TOEFL Tests™ in your strong subjects this spring. Take Subject Tests such as World History, Biology E/M, and Chemistry while the material is still fresh in your mind.

Learn about Colleges

• Learn about college costs and how financial aid works.
• Talk to your parents about financing college.
• Visit colleges while they're in session.
• Find out about college firsthand from college friends who are home for the holidays.

Stay Focused

• Take college preparatory courses. Consider AP® courses.
• Study for May AP Exams.

Explore Summer Opportunities

• Look for a great summer opportunity — job, internship, or volunteer position.
• Check with your counselor and search online for summer school programs for high school students at colleges.

Make the Most of Your Break

• Start a summer reading list. Ask your teachers to recommend books.
• Plan to visit college campuses to get a feel for your options. Start with colleges near you.
• Finalize your summer plans.