Freshman and Sophomore Timeline
Building a strong foundation for college success
Remember: Grades Count!
Your transcript reflects your entire 4-year academic performance. Start strong and build good habits from the beginning.
The freshman and sophomore years are crucial for establishing a strong academic foundation and beginning your college preparation journey. These early years set the stage for your junior and senior year college application process.
Academic Excellence
Core Academic Goals
Study Skills Development
- • Establish effective study habits and routines
- • Master time management and organizational skills
- • Learn to balance academics with activities
Course Selection
- • Take rigorous courses to prepare for college admission
- • Challenge yourself while maintaining good grades
- • Consider prerequisites for advanced courses
Testing and Assessment
Required Tests
- ✓ PSAT: Take each Fall of high school
- ✓ Pre-ACT/PLAN: Identify strengths and weaknesses
Test Preparation
- • Consider test prep courses
- • Summer after sophomore year is ideal
- • Use results to guide junior year planning
College Exploration
Begin Your Research
Online Resources
- • Explore college interests at collegeboard.org
- • Use bigfuture.org for planning tools
- • Start developing preferences for college characteristics
Early Exploration
- • Attend college fairs when possible
- • Discuss college expectations with family
- • Consider potential career interests
Activities and Leadership
Key Principle: Quality Over Quantity
Choose activities that genuinely interest you and allow for meaningful involvement rather than joining many organizations superficially.
Getting Involved
- • Join extracurricular activities that match your interests
- • Explore personal interests, strengths, and gifts
- • Consider community service opportunities
Leadership Development
- • Seek leadership opportunities within activities
- • Consider National Honor Society eligibility (Sophomore spring)
- • Demonstrate initiative and commitment
Building Your College Resume
Start Documenting Now
Begin building a college resume by maintaining detailed records of your achievements and activities.
What to Track
- • All extracurricular activities and duration of involvement
- • Leadership positions and responsibilities
- • Awards, honors, and recognition received
- • Community service hours and organizations
- • Summer experiences and meaningful activities
Character and Personal Development
Attitude and Behavior
- • Be mindful of your attitude in all situations
- • Demonstrate integrity and good character
- • Build positive relationships with teachers and peers
Summer Planning
- • Plan meaningful summer experiences
- • Consider academic enrichment opportunities
- • Explore interests through camps or programs
Kathy Howard
TCS Guidance Counselor
Ready to Start Your College Journey?
Meet with our guidance counselor to create a personalized plan for your freshman and sophomore years.