SOPHOMORE YEAR

The four years spent in high school can make graduation seem like a long way away. In reality, time flies! It’s best to start early when preparing plans for college and beyond.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unprepared. But all you really need is a plan! Our faculty and staff are here to help you every step of the way.

Below is a checklist of what you should accomplish during your sophomore year and when:

SUMMER BEFORE SOPHOMORE YEAR

Get summer internships with local businesses. Look beyond the typical summer job opportunities.
Prepare for rigorous science and math classes
Prepare for the PSAT/SAT
Create strong study habits
Begin to make a list of career and college preferences.

FALL OF SOPHOMORE YEAR

Attend an orientation session with our HDA Academic Specialist to discuss your high school plans and goals. Discuss what your options are after completion of high school.
Boost your GPA!
- Academics continue to be the top priority. It is difficult, statistically, to raise your cumulative GPA after your sophomore year, so do your best academically. Remember, maintaining a high GPA is easier than bringing up a low one.
Take the PSAT in October
- This will help you prepare for the SAT (Stanford Achievement Test) taken in April.
Explore extracurricular activities
- Develop your talents/abilities. Get involved in extracurricular activities at school, church, and the community in which you live.
- Don’t just become a group member, but join those in which you are really interested and take an active role.
- Colleges and companies look for students who take leadership in school activities and who have varied interests.

SPRING OF SOPHOMORE YEAR

Attend a check-up session with our academic specialist to make sure you are on track.
Boost your GPA!
- Always stay focused on maintaining good grades.
Finalize your high school activity list
- Get involved in school and community activities, and look to take on leadership roles this year. Colleges look favorably at leadership positions and/or active involvement in a few extracurricular activities.
For those interested in dual enrollment, talk to an academic advisor about eligibility and prepare to take the PERT test at Lake Sumter or Seminole State College.
Take the official SAT in April for the first time.
Identify career choices that you may want to intern with over the summer and begin to apply for those positions.
Identify local colleges and universities to visit over the summer in order to get a feel for the campuses and the different degree tracks offered.

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