Sophomore Page

The sophomore year can seem overwhelming to students.  Study skills and the ability to manage time are especially important for 10th graders.

To support and assist students with the challenges they are facing, classroom presentations are made to 10th graders during which students will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues important to them.  The presentation addresses the following:

• • • • College Preparation
      • The yearly and cumulative GPA.
      • How to Raise a Grade
      • Study Skills
      • The ACT scheduled each October

All sophomores are encouraged to schedule an appointment in the guidance office during the winter of 10^th grade. Graduation comes too quickly to wait until later years to start college planning.  During this meeting, students review a copy of their transcript, review their credits, and refine their 4-year plans.

Some items for sophomores and their families to consider:

• Continue to take challenging college prep courses.
• Learn about the training that different careers require.
• Start collecting information about colleges through the guidance office or on the web.  You may begin getting brochures from colleges in the mail.
• Build a list of colleges in which you are interested or that you may want to visit.
• Continue researching sources of financial aid. Keep saving! Start investigating financial aid options.
• Attend local college fairs and talk to College Reps when they visit SEA.
• Begin to explore different careers, learn the importance of networking and learn how to do an informational interview.
• Take a practice ACT / PSAT: Each time you take one of these tests it better prepares you for the real thing.
• Look for and take leadership roles in class, clubs and activities when possible.
• When registering for eleventh-grade courses, consider honors and College Credit courses so your transcript will show the rigor of your coursework.
• Research summer programs on college campuses that appeal to you.  Consider vacations near campuses you are considering so you can get a feel for the area.