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Sophomore Year
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Begin Visiting College Campuses
It's not too early to begin visiting college campuses. Check websites for information about campus tours and open house programs, as well as summer opportunities such as workshops and camps - these are often referred to as pre-college programs. Remember, a visit is not a commitment to attend a specific college but rather an opportunity to experience a college first-hand.
Get to Know Yourself
Learn more about your personality, skills, abilities, likes and dislikes. An understanding of these will assist in determining what career will bring you the most satisfaction. There are many assessments available to aid you in learning more about yourself.
The Campbell Interest and Skills Survey
Talk to your family, friends, teachers and school counselor and ask for their perceptions of what you do well. Ask yourself some questions and be honest with your answers. The questions below may help give you a clearer picture of what you want to pursue for your future.
Explore Ways to Pay For College
A college education is an investment in your future. Do your research, learn about college costs, and develop a financial plan. Here are a few resources to get you started:
New York State Financial Planning
Make a List of Colleges That Interest You
- Do you wish to attend a large college? Or maybe a medium- or small-sized college or university?
- Close to home or far away?
- Public or private?
- Two-year or four-year?
- How important is cost?
- How important are clubs, activities and sports?
- Does your list include colleges and universities that offer your areas of academic interest?
Explore free college search programs, such as The College Board's Big Future.
Research Job Trends
Find out more about the careers that interest you. What level of education is required? What is the average salary? What are the expected job prospects?
The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov/ooh offers answers to these questions and provides information about occupational projections by state, as well as career exploration information.
Explore Careers That Interest You
Consider volunteering or job shadowing in a career that interests you. Ask people whose jobs you like or sound interesting to explain what they really do and how they got to where they are now.
Here are a few questions to get you started:
1.What did you study in college?
2.What courses best prepared you for your career?
3.What do you like most about your job?
4.What advice do you have for someone interested in this career?
Prepare for College Tests
Practice taking the PSAT as you will be taking this exam in the fall of 11th grade. You can also practice the SAT and ACT college entrance exams. You will take these exams in 11th and 12th grade.
Don't Forget!
- The courses you take in high school are important.
- Take academics seriously and keep your grades up.
- Get to know your teachers, School Counselor and Principal.
- Get involved.
- Make the most of your summer.
