You've Got a Sophomore!

Make sure your sophomore kicks off 10th grade by scheduling a visit with their school counselor. Your student should discuss their goals and get information about the opportunities available for achieving them. Topics might include college planning, workforce options, dual enrollment, academic honors, extracurriculars, academic progress, and graduation requirements amongst others.

And school counselors aren’t just there for students — be sure to reach out to them if you have questions about how you can support your student now and through their next few years.  

Fall is the perfect time for your student to explore activities outside of the classroom. Whether it’s joining a club, trying a new hobby, or getting involved in sports, these experiences enhance their high school life and help them discover what they’re passionate about — maybe even guiding future career choices. 🤔

Confirm your student is enrolled in core courses like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. These subjects are often graduation requirements and lay the groundwork for college and career readiness. Encourage them to actively participate in class, stay organized, and seek help from teachers or tutors as soon as possible if they fall behind. 

Help your student establish solid note taking skills and study habits early in the school year. Focus on having them set clear academic goals, manage their time effectively, and develop strategies for staying organized. These habits are crucial for handling the increasingly difficult coursework they’ll encounter as they progress through high school.  

Sophomore year isn't too early to consider taking the ACT test.  Getting scores now can help your child qualify for dual credit opportunities in high school — saving them time and money once they arrive on campus. Plus, getting acquainted with the test format can help them feel confident on test day. A practice test (PDF) can highlight strengths and areas needing improvement, making future preparation more targeted and less stressful. 

Mid-year is a great time to sit down with your student and review their academic progress. Discussion topics might include their grades, any challenges they’re encountering, steps for getting ahead or catching up, and any adjustments they might want to make to their goals for the rest of the year. This ongoing reflection keeps them focused, motivated, and on track. 

Winter is a good opportunity for sophomores to start thinking about their future beyond high school. Encourage your child to investigate different types of colleges, such as community colleges or four-year universities, and explore various career options that align with their interests. This early exploration will provide a solid foundation for future decisions. 

Whether your student is already engaged in extracurricular activities or looking to try something new, now is a good time for them to review their goals and opportunities. Taking on leadership roles or committing more fully to activities can really enhance their personal growth and future applications.

With course selection for junior year on the horizon, it’s important to start planning now. Work with your student to choose classes that not only meet graduation requirements but also challenge them academically and align with their future aspirations. Planning now will keep them on the right path.

Winter break is a great time for your student to revisit their mid-year evaluation and reflect on their goals, strengths, progress, and areas for improvement. Have they stayed on track since the last time they reviewed their progress? If they haven’t yet, it can be helpful for your child to create a personal development plan, focusing on academic goals, skill-building activities, or exploring new extracurricular pursuits. This plan can guide their efforts for the remainder of the school years.  

If they haven’t already, encourage your student to explore leadership roles within their extracurricular activities. Whether it’s running for a position in a club, organizing a school event, or mentoring peers, these experiences can significantly enhance their personal growth and strengthen future college applications. Help them identify opportunities where they can lead and make a difference.

Now’s the perfect time to start thinking about how your student can make the most of their summer break. Have them research programs, internships, or volunteer opportunities that align with their interests or college and career goals.  

For example, if they think they might have an interest in working with animals, or biology in general, they might consider opportunities with animal shelters or local environmental groups. If they’re interested in leadership and working with people, have them check with your parks department for youth coaching or class instructor options. Opportunities are everywhere, and by preparing now they’ll have a productive and fulfilling summer ahead. 

If they have trouble finding the right opportunity, encourage them to be creative and develop one for themselves. Nothing says “initiative” like creating a path forward when one isn’t available.

School’s ending for the year and that means it’s time for you and your child to come together again and review their progress, reflect on challenges, and adjust goals as needed. Be sure to celebrate successes! Discover where they faced challenges and try to identify ways you can support their growth and success.

These periodic check-ins focused on self-reflection are crucial for keeping your child on track as they start junior year with renewed focus and determination. 

Summer is a great time for your student to dive into books or personal projects that pique their interest. It can be a subject they’re passionate about or simply exploring new ideas, but these activities will help keep their mind engaged and prepare them for the more rigorous coursework that lies ahead in junior year.

With junior year on the horizon, now is the time to start thinking seriously about ACT preparation. Help your student create a study plan or consider enrolling them in a prep course. Starting early reduces stress and gives them more time to build confidence in their test-taking abilities.

Our partners at Collegewise are experts in guiding families through the college application process. With their “Why Choose the ACT” resource (PDF), written by test prep expert Michal Goldstein, he can guide you and your student towards an optimal option for standardized testing. 

Prefer to watch a video? Check out the vlog link below!