Road Map for March: Sophomores

We’re past the midpoint of the school year, and many students are choosing courses for next year. As you review your options, aim for a thoughtful balance. Colleges want to see that you challenge yourself, but not that you overwhelm yourself. My rule of thumb: take the most demanding classes you can handle successfully, while keeping your overall workload manageable.

Now is also a great time to start exploring colleges. Sophomores, especially, can benefit from visiting a local campus to get a feel for different environments—large or small, urban or rural. Spring college fairs like those hosted by NACAC and Colleges That Change Lives offer excellent opportunities to meet admissions representatives and begin learning what distinguishes one school from another.

And don’t forget about summer! Whether you work, volunteer, travel, play sports, take a class, or prep for standardized tests, the key is to spend your time in ways that are meaningful and constructive. Of course, down time is important too. With some thoughtful planning now, you can set yourself up for a strong finish to the year and an amazing summer ahead.

For more guidance about these and other topics, I hope you’ll join me for College Admissions: A Road Map for 9th and 10th Grade Students on April 25, or contact me to learn more about one-on-one advising.



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