Sophomore Year Timeline 

Your Sophomore Year

September - November

Make a Plan 

• Meet with your counselor or tell him or her that you plan to attend college. Review your schedule and make sure you are taking the right classes to graduate and to get into college. Be sure to ask questions.

• Take challenging classes. Not only can it give you the chance to see what college level courses are like, but it could save you money too!

• Get involved with extracurricular activities. Colleges will be looking at your participation in extracurricular activities.

Do Your Research 

• Go to a college fair in your area.

• Take the PSAT or PLAN. Check with your counselor about registration.

December - February

Make a Plan

• Talk to your guidance counselor and teachers about taking SAT Subject Tests. Learn about the different entrance exams and how to prepare for them.

Reach Out for Help

• Get extra help if you need it from your teachers, counselor or other students.

March - May

Plan Ahead 

• Start thinking about next year's schedule. Prepare a list of questions about being ready for college to ask your counselor. Use these to start.

• Think about what you'll do this summer. Consider an internship, job, volunteer position or join a summer program. Check out other ideas.

June - August

Do Your Research 

• Visit colleges near you. Bring the campus tour checklist to help you get the most of your visit!

• Read books, newspapers, journals, magazines, internet articles, anything that appeals to you. Need more tips for success?

• Explore careers. Think about what you might want to study in college. Start by answering these questions about yourself.

Start Saving 

• Save money for college. Do you have a New York 529 College Savings Plan?