SOPHOMORE YEAR: A GUIDE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (AND THEIR PARENTS)
Sophomore Year
FALL
- Take the PSAT (a.k.a. the pre-SAT) and/or PLAN (a.k.a. the pre-ACT) in October. More information about both tests can be found at collegeboard.org and act.org. Of course, you can also talk to us at Sage for further guidance in October.
- If you haven’t already, sign up for extracurricular activities such as drama, music, sports, and/or volunteer with Sage’s Service Club!
- Complete the CSF application and submit it by the October deadline! Qualifying students are those who are carrying four or more subjects (not counting P.E. and repeated subjects) and who earn a minimum of ten CSF points, seven of which must be in academic subjects. Details and applications can be found here: Tamalpais HS CSF Information, or Redwood HS CSF Information. If you attend a different high school, please ask your counselor or one of our directors to help you locate your school’s CSF information.
- Assess your academic work halfway through the semester and meet with your teachers to discuss your progress. Don’t be blindsided by midterms!
WINTER
- If you’re already taking advanced courses this year that you don’t expect to take again, look into taking the SAT Subject Tests while that knowledge is still fresh in your head. Especially if you’re planning to apply to UCs, it’s a good idea to take subject tests on your strongest subjects! Plan to take the test in May and/or June so that your finals review does double duty. Visit collegeboard.org to find schedule details.
- Prepare for midterms! Sage offers final exam review classes in most subjects.
SPRING
- Complete the CSF application and submit it by the February deadline! Qualifying students are those who are carrying four or more subjects (not counting P.E. and repeated subjects) and who earn a minimum of ten CSF points, seven of which must be in academic subjects. Details and applications can be found here: Tamalpais HS CSF Information, or Redwood HS CSF Information. If you attend a different high school, please ask your counselor or one of our directors to help you locate your school’s CSF information.
- Register for your junior year classes. Consider more rigorous courses such as APs or Honors classes that will prepare you for college. Your counselor will have great recommendations for what courses you should consider.
- Take pertinent SAT Subject Tests in May and/or June.
- Study for your finals! Sage offers final exam review classes in most subjects.
SUMMER
- Go on an adventure with ARCC or Amigos!
- Read more! We’re not kidding. Some great suggestions can be found here: High School Reading List
- Consider lightening your junior year workload by taking an online math, science, language, or PE course. Be sure to check with your school beforehand to ensure that units will transfer over. BYU Independent Study and APEX Learning Virtual School are both excellent options. Let us know if you need some guidance about where to start.
- Consider taking a Sage Essential Skills Workshop like Bridge to Geometry, Bridge to Advanced Algebra, or Writing for High School.
- Consider taking one of the Sage workshops such as SAT Boot Camp, ACT Boot Camp, College Exploration, or our College Essay Workshop.
- Enjoy yourself. For most students junior year is the most difficult. Use this summer to relax and rejuvenate so you can start junior year refreshed and ready to go!
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