College Application Timeline
Everything you need to do to complete the college admissions process.
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Sophomore
Take college-prep courses
College-prep courses, such as AP or IB show colleges that you are taking the most rigorous schedule you can handle and that you are driven and hardworking. However, make sure that you do not overload yourself with too many difficult courses, as you want to leave enough time for your extracurricular activities and leisure. Remember, getting a B in an AP class is better than getting an A in an easier class.
Take SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests focus on certain topics from classes you can take in high school, and are required by some colleges. They are a great way to demonstrate your knowledge of a particular subject to colleges. Near the end of your first and second semester is a good time to take subject tests for classes ending in the fall and spring respectively, when the material is still fresh in your mind. You can also take the SAT Subject Tests for other classes you have had in previous years.
Take AP/IB Exams
AP/IB Exams are yet another way to demonstrate your mastery of a certain class or subject, and you should definitely take them. Even if you do not do well, you still conveyed your drive and determination to challenge yourself to the college admissions committee. Unlike SAT Subject Tests, AP/IB tests require a lot more preparation and studying, since there is an essay portion and the multiple-choice questions require a much deeper college-level understanding of the material.
Focus on your grades
Colleges look at your grades throughout your high school career, so you want to keep them as high as you can at each grading period. Therefore, try your best to balance your leadership positions, extracurricular activities, and classes. Make getting an A in your classes your goal each year.
Talk to your school counselor
Whether you are struggling with choosing classes, finding organizations to join, creating a college list, or even your personal life, your counselor is a wonderful resource for you. Asking them to help you plan your sophomore year is a great idea, in order to make sure you choose the right classes that challenge you, prepare for the PSAT and other exams, and spend your summer after sophomore year wisely.
Commit to a few student organizations
Out of the many organizations you joined and explored during your freshman year, now is the time to commit to the ones that you are most interested in. Get involved in those organizations, attend their events, and prepare for meetings in whatever way you can. Over time, try to apply for leadership positions and gain more responsibilities in the organization. And most importantly, make friends! Meet people who are like-minded in their interests and the classes they are taking, so that you can learn and grow together.
Start building your resume
It is much better to write down your experiences and accomplishments throughout high school as they occur, rather than try to remember and compile them into a resume during your senior year. Therefore, we recommend that you keep a running list of your activities with short descriptions about what you did, who was involved, what you learned, and the impact of this activity on others. For some tips on writing your resume, read our College Tip of the Week #6: How you describe your activities.
Obtain leadership positions
In the few student organizations you have committed to, run for leadership positions to obtain a more active role. In addition, apply for leadership conferences or organizations focused on helping your community, such as a mayor’s youth council. You can even start your own organization or initiative, which will convey to colleges your ability to organize and inspire people to further a benevolent cause.
Find summer opportunities
Do not just sit home during the summer. Of course, leave time for leisure and rest, but also take time to get involved in a part-time job, summer camp, or volunteer opportunity for a few weeks. is a great way to gain valuable experiences for college and even life. Learn new skills, and keep growing as a person!
Prepare for the PSAT
The PSAT is a great opportunity to earn recognition under the National Merit Scholarship Program for your hard work during your junior year. Taking some time to prepare for the PSAT will help you in the long run for your SAT and ACT exams. You have a chance to take the PSAT during your sophomore year for practice, so utilize this as well to help you measure your potential performance. You can also look into our College Tip of the Week #13: How to prepare for SAT/ACT exams.
Start saving for college
It may seem like paying for college is far away, but time goes by quickly when you many other responsibilities to keep up with. It is never too late to open a bank account or even a piggy bank at home to put your paychecks, allowance, or any other sources of income to save for your college tuition.
Apply for scholarships
Until midway through your junior year, you likely will not be able to apply for traditional scholarships (for seniors). Therefore, start searching online at Scholarships.com or other safe sites for non-traditional scholarships that you are eligible for, and continue this throughout your junior and senior years. For tips on getting started, look at our College Tip of the Week #17: Scholarship Applications.