A Freshman and Sophomore's Guide to Getting Ready for College
The beginning of high school is an exciting time filled with new opportunities and responsibilities. College is far off, however, four years is not that long. Before you know it, you’ll plan your life after high school. So what should you be doing during your early high school years to ensure you are prepared for the future?
Academics:
During your freshman year and early sophomore year, you don’t need to worry about delving into a serious college search quite yet. Your primary focus should be on learning how to be the best high school student you can be by working on your academics and starting to explore your interests.
When selecting courses, choose those that are challenging and allow you to hone your academic and organizational skills. During early high school, you want to discover which study strategies are most effective for you.
Keep a to-do list and a calendar of important due dates and school events. Be sure to check your calendar daily.
In addition to your calendar, be sure to check and read emails daily
Figure out where and when you do your best when completing assignments and studying
Try a few styles of note-taking and decide which works best for your
Pick one day each week to check your grades and make sure all your assignments for the past week have been turned in
Read, read, read: Reading anything that interests you will pay off in the long run. You’ll improve your vocabulary, grammar, and confidence as a writer.
Activities:
Don’t be afraid to join a new club or team. Taking the risk to try something new will pay off whether you love the activity and stick with it or decide it is not for you and move on. You’ll learn about yourself and other people through the process and build teamwork, time management, and social skills.
Start a list of the activities you participate in and the roles you have played in the activity. Be sure to include after-school jobs, volunteering, and any regular and required help you are expected to provide at home.
Summer Plans:
Use your summer to rest, relax, and have some fun, while structuring some time to focus on your interests. Find a volunteer opportunity that gets you involved in your community or shares one of your talents with others. Consider a summer job to learn a new skill, take on more responsibility, and make a little money! Summer is also a smart time to work on any academic or organizational skills that have proven to be difficult during the school year. Was math a struggle? Use the extra time over the summer to do a little review and practice so the next year isn’t as stressful. Keep on top of summer reading and assignments your school requires. Don’t wait until Labor Day weekend to try and tackle it all!
Light College Exploration:
If you have any college campuses nearby, check them out. Take a walk through the campus and notice the size, the students, and the surrounding areas. You’ll start to develop an opinion on whether a campus is too small, too spread out, too urban or suburban for your taste. During sophomore year, register for a few official campus tours and hear what student tour guides have to share about their school.
College Curriculum and Majors: How does it work?
You may have an interest in a particular field or academic subject, but most students do not have a firm idea of their future major until their sophomore year of college. Don’t stress out! Instead, start to learn a little bit about how college course requirements, majors, and minors. This video by CrashCourse is a short and simple introduction to college academics.
As you wrap up this guide to preparing for college in your freshman and sophomore years, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. These early years are a perfect time to lay a strong foundation for your future. By focusing on your academics, getting involved in activities, and starting to explore college options, you're setting yourself up for success. Don't forget to enjoy the process and take time for yourself along the way. Your high school years are a unique period of growth and discovery, so make the most of them. Stay curious, stay motivated, and most importantly, stay true to yourself. The steps you take now are the first in a series of many that will lead you to a fulfilling college experience and beyond.
