I'm a Sophomore! What should I be doing this year?

• Continue taking challenging courses. Your success in challenging academic courses provides college admissions counselors with the best evidence of your ability to succeed in college. Plus, AP courses can increase your GPA.

• Continue to keep your grades up. Grades, grades, grades. Consider your grades as your salary in a job. Your job is to go to school and your salary is your grades. The higher your grades, the higher the reward. An occasional "C" is okay, but you want to aim for something higher. If you're doing the best you can and you receive a "C", then that's okay. Students with an occasional "C" still have plenty of options. Work on self-discipline and time management.

• Put effort into extracurricular activities. By the time you apply to college, you should be able to demonstrate depth and leadership in an extracurricular area. Think about what you can bring, not only to a college community, but what you can bring to Ceres High. How can you make things better?

• Begin learning about the college admissions process. Go on a college tour to experience life on a college campus. Speak with your Learning Director to make sure you're on track for graduation and to select the right courses for the college you're interested in. Get familiar with the general college entrance requirements.

• Get your hands on some cash...for college. Research funding for college, including scholarships, grants, loans, etc. Start exploring by taking a look at the 12th grade tab.