Sophomores
Success in High School = Grit!
Watch this great TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit
GO TO CLASS!!! Good attendance usually results in good grades.
Get Involved. Join a school club, team, or organization. Attend school events. Try out for the school play. You will meet new people, make new friends, and enjoy school more.
Make a “To Do” list everyday. Use your school planner to help organize your work.
Get Enough Sleep. It’s hard to concentrate on school work when you are tired!
Set Aside a Specific Time to Study. Let your friends and family members know about your study time, and ask them to not disturb you during that time. Get study tips here: http://www.samford.edu/how-to-study/
Find a Place to Study. Pick a place where you can be comfortable, with no distractions. Study in the same place everyday, and review notes and assignments the same day they were given.
Talk to Your Parents. Let them know what’s going on in school, and share things you’ve learned.
Ask for Help. Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t understand a concept. Teachers are willing to help you – just ask!!!
Find a Mentor. Choose an adult – a teacher, a neighbor, or a family friend – who is a good example to you, and ask them for advice and support.
Relax. Find time each day to relax on your own – read a good book, listen to music, or take a walk.
Be Happy! A positive attitude can get you through almost any conflict or struggle.
Check your grades/attendance on the Portal at least once a week!
Learn the Language of High School
ACT Test – The American College Test measures your preparedness for college in academic areas such as math, English, and science. It is recommended you take the test in your junior year so that you may retake it, if needed, during your senior year. You must take the ACT to be accepted into any of Utah’s public and private universities.
Admissions Index – An index used to combine your cumulative GPA and ACT or SAT test scores. To be accepted into any of Utah’s four public universities, you must have a minimum index score from the Admissions Index.
AP Courses – Advanced placement courses you may take in high school. Passing AP tests with a score of 3, 4, or 5 will give you college credit.
CTE – Career and Technical Education – formerly known as vocational education or applied technology, provides specific training for particular occupations.
Assessment – Various tests that can measure your interests, abilities, and achievements.
Associate’s Degree – A two-year degree offered by colleges and universities.
Bachelor’s Degree – A four-year degree offered by colleges and universities.
Concurrent Enrollment – An opportunity for high school students to earn college credit while they are still in high school.
Cumulative GPA – The combined average of all the grades you earn from the beginning of 9th grade through 12th grade.
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You must complete this form after October 1st of your senior year in order to apply for federal financial aid. Every student is advised to complete this application.
GPA – Grade Point Average. An average of the grades you earn in any grading period.
SAT Test – The Scholastic Aptitude test, sometimes referred to as the College Board. A test that measures your verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. It is recommended you take the test in your junior yesr so that you may retake it, if needed, during your senior year. While Utah’s universities only require the ACT, universities and colleges in other states require SAT scores. If you are interested in attending an out-of-state institution, check the admissions policies of each institution.
PCCR - Plan for College and Career Readiness