What should 10th graders focus on to get college and career ready?
Sophomore year is about building depth, consistency, and direction. Colleges want to see students who challenge themselves, contribute to their communities, and pursue their interests over time—not just students who check boxes.
Maintain the strongest GPA possible.
Take the most rigorous courses appropriate for your ability (Honors, AP, Dual Enrollment junior year).
Build strong relationships with teachers.
Develop effective study and time management habits.
Seek extra help immediately if grades begin to slip.
Read regularly outside of class to improve writing, vocab and critical thinking.
Identify 2–3 subjects or activities you genuinely enjoy.
Try new clubs, organizations, or competitions.
Begin narrowing interests rather than joining many unrelated activities.
Look for opportunities to take on increasing responsibility.
Focus on quality over quantity.
Commit to a few meaningful activities.
Attend consistently.
Volunteer for projects.
Seek leadership opportunities over the next two years.
Document accomplishments and hours.
Volunteer consistently rather than completing one-time events.
Choose causes that genuinely matter to you.
Keep a record of hours, responsibilities, and impact.
Research careers that sound interesting.
Job shadow professionals.
Attend career fairs.
Talk with teachers and counselors about different fields.
Learn what majors connect to those careers.
Develop skills that are valuable regardless of your intended major.
Writing
Public speaking
Research
Computer skills
Data analysis
Financial literacy
Leadership
Teamwork
Participate in science fairs or research opportunities.
Enter writing, art, or STEM competitions.
Consider academic camps or enrichment programs.
Pursue independent projects related to your interests.
Take the PSAT (if offered).
Become familiar with the SAT and ACT.
Practice using official sample questions.
Instead of simply relaxing all summer:
Work a part-time job.
Volunteer.
Attend a summer program.
Take a community college class.
Complete a meaningful personal project.
Learn a new skill.
Read books related to your interests.
Keep a running record of:
Awards
Leadership positions
Volunteer hours
Employment
Projects
Competitions
Certifications
Activities
Major accomplishments
Colleges value students who:
Show integrity.
Follow through on commitments.
Work well with others.
Demonstrate resilience.
Take initiative.
Show curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Visit local colleges.
Attend college fairs.
Explore different types of institutions (public, private, liberal arts, research universities).
Understand admissions requirements.
Learn about financial aid and scholarships.
What do STAE teachers push their students to do?
1) Take ownership of their behavior.
2) Respectfully advocate for themselves.
3) Step and think outside of the box.
4) Abide by the terms of the STAE contract.
5) Be involved (in class, in school and in the community).
6) Set goals, create a plan to accomplish those goals and reflect on them.
7) Support fellow classmates.
8) Volunteer throughout the year AT LEAST 10 hours.
9) Take the PSAT (highly recommended) and the Pre-ACT (required).
10) Keep up with a binder for helpful resources for both STAE and EPF and a planner to help keep track of important deadlines/dates.
*See Hoggard's STAE page for more details.
What will be our typical weekly schedule?
Monday (STAE Day) 12:10-12:50 Focus Lesson/Activity; 12:50-1:30 Study Hall
Tuesday (EPF)
Wednesday (STAE Day) 12:10-12:50 Focus Lesson/Activity; 12:50-1:30 Study Hall
Thursday (EPF)
Friday (EPF; occassional special STAE Day)
How will my STAE teacher be grading?
I will be looking for evidence of learning, practicing skills learned in class, researching, and on participation.
Classwork/Activities: 50%
Volunteering/Particiaption: 10%
Projects/Writing Assignments: 40%
How important are test scores to college admissions?
Over the last 2–3 admissions cycles (roughly 2024–2026), the importance of the SAT and ACT has become more polarized rather than uniformly lower.
At many colleges: test scores matter less than they did before COVID, because thousands of schools remain test-optional.
At the most selective colleges: test scores have become more important again, with many elite schools reinstating testing requirements or signaling that strong scores are valuable.
Sophomore Test Dates:
What volunteer opportunities will students have?
We will be working a booth at the Ironman Race next to Greenfield Lake on Saturday October 17, 2026 . We will also have occasional opportunites to participate in campus clean-up. Students may need to find an organization to volunteer with if they are unable to get all 10 hours from our whole class opportunities. I have put together a volunteer directory of organizations which work with high school age students around New Hanover County. I highly encourage students to find one to continue to be involved in throughout high school. You are not limited to the ones on this list. If you are unable to find transportation, consider helping a neighbor or family member (for example, yard work, storm clean up, child care, etc). Each student will be provided a volunteer log that will be completed as they acquire their hours. They must get someone from the organization to sign off on it. This log will be kept at school in our STAE binder. When a student needs to get it they can ask me for it and return it to me when finished volunteering.
What are the graduation requirements for students graduating in 2029?
The state requires students to earn 22 credits in order to graduate. New Hanover County students typically must earn 28 credits, with six coming from electives. For graduation each student must complete the appropriate number of the following courses:
Math: 4 credits (typically NC Math 1, 2, 3, and a fourth advanced math course)
English: 4 credits (English I, II, III, and IV)
Science: 3 credits (Earth/Environmental Science, Biology, and a physical science or chemistry/physics)
Social Studies: 4 credits (Civics Literacy, World History, American History, and Economics & Personal Finance)
Health and Physical Education: 1 credit (Healthful Living) plus successful completion of CPR instruction
Electives: 6 additional elective credits (which may include Career and Technical Education, Arts Education, or World Languages)