Sophomores and Juniors- What do you need to be doing right now?
The intensity of the college application season is almost over. As seniors have submitted all of their applications and are waiting for responses, the focus begins to shift to the next class- the juniors. While it’s not time just yet for the class of 2022 to apply to college, there are still many things that both sophomores and juniors should be focusing on with regard to the college process. Read on to find out more!
Juniors / Class of 2022
Pick solid classes for next year, taking any relevant electives if you can (computer science, history classes, etc. - whatever fits your story as an applicant).
As you begin to think about the narrative you will tell colleges through your application, make sure you have taken classes that back up your interest in a subject. If you’re interested in something that isn’t offered at your school, take a course over the summer or find a course online! Make sure also that you’re still appropriately challenging yourself across the board, and don’t drop your English, History, Science, or Math classes.
Prepare for and take any standardized tests if you haven’t already done so.
While many colleges have made standardized tests optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle, they are still an important part of your application that can make your break your admission to a college. If available to you, take a standardized test this spring. If you are happy with your score, you should absolutely include it in your application next fall. Also be sure to prepare for any AP or SAT II tests you might be taking this spring.
Begin to create a list of colleges you’re interested in applying to next fall- this should include schools in multiple tiers (reach, possible, likely).
While you don’t need to finalize your college list right away, start looking into different colleges and forming a list of schools that interest you. Determine what you like in a school- size, location, and program offerings are just some things to consider. Be sure to look at schools with a range of acceptance rates. Creating a balanced list is important!
Have a solid summer plan.
Apply for an internship, a summer program, or an online class. Work a job. And be sure you have time to work on college applications too! Colleges value how you spend your summers, so make sure you spend yours productively!
Sophomores / Class of 2023
Pick solid classes for next year.
See #1 of the juniors section, or visit our last Instagram post @lotuspremiereducation for more info on this!
Prepare for any standardized tests you’re taking at the end of this spring.
By the end of sophomore year, you might have some AP or SAT II exams you’re planning to take. Make sure you study for these! Additionally, it’s not too early to start thinking about the SAT or ACT. Taking a diagnostic test is a good idea to get a feel for what areas you have nailed down and what areas you need to focus on improving. If available, you can think about signing up for an SAT or ACT at the end of the summer.
Begin touring colleges to get a feel for what interests you and what is important to you in a college.
Even though many colleges are not currently offering in-person visits due to the pandemic, there are plenty of ways to explore colleges virtually. Now is a good time to start exploring schools and figuring out what aspects you like and don’t like about them. Be sure to look into a variety of schools, not just the most elite ones. Do you prefer larger or smaller schools? Liberal arts schools? Schools that have stronger humanities or STEM programs? These are all questions you can begin thinking about as a sophomore.
Plan your summer.
You can do an online class, a program through a school, a travel program… pick something that interests you and helps tell your narrative as an applicant. If you have fewer course offerings and electives at your school, the summer is a great opportunity to explore new subjects and find new potential interests.