ACTION PLAN: HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORES
FALL
Plan for the Year Ahead
- Meet with your counselor to discuss your college plans. Review your schedule to make sure you're enrolled in challenging classes that will help you prepare for college. Colleges prefer four years of English, as well as history, math, science and a foreign language.
- Use College Search to find out the required courses and tests for colleges that you might be interested in attending.
- Start a calendar with important dates and deadlines.
- Get involved with extracurricular activities.
- Go to college fairs in your area.
Consider Taking the PSAT/NMSQT®
- Sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT, which is given in October. Ask your counselor for the date. Get free online PSAT/NMSQT practice.
- If you're taking the PSAT/NMSQT, sign up for Student Search Service® to learn about colleges and scholarships.
WINTER
Prepare for Tests
- Use the access code on your PSAT/NMSQT score report to sign in to My College QuickStart™. With this personalized planning kit, you can prepare for the SAT using a study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT results and explore lists of suggested colleges, majors and careers.
- Talk to your counselor and teachers about taking SAT Subject 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 college costs and how financial aid works.
- Use the College Savings Calculator to see how much money you'll need for college, whether you're on track to save enough, and what you need to do to reach your goal. Talk to your family about college financing.
- Visit colleges while they're in session.
- Find out about college firsthand from friends who are home for the holidays.
SPRING
Stay Focused
- Sign up for college preparatory courses for next year.
Explore Summer Opportunities
- Look for a great summer opportunity — job, internship or volunteer position.
- Check with your counselor and search online for summer learning programs.
SUMMER
Make the Most of Your Break
- Plan to visit college campuses to get a feel for your options. Start with colleges near you.
- Finalize your summer plans.