05 Apr Road Map for April: Sophomores
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know that my general advice to younger students is that the first half of high school is a time to explore yourself and your interests, as well as exploring colleges. Now that you’re getting closer to the second half of high school, you should be thinking about what you want your college experience to be like and what kinds of places will offer you that experience. Do you want to go to a big state university, a small liberal arts college, or a mid-sized school? Do you want to be in or near a city, or would a small town be a better setting for you? Would you thrive in a competitive environment or are you looking for a more cooperative campus culture?
You might already know the answers to questions like these, but many students find that college tours help them to identify their preferences. This is why I like for students to do at least a couple of tours by the end of 10th grade. These do not have to involve extensive travel; instead, start by visiting campuses in your local area. Choose different types of schools and register for the info sessions and tours offered by the admissions office. This will allow you to get a sense of what’s out there and what you like. Then you can do research and look for the things that are important to you as you plan additional visits in the coming months.