Sophomores

There’s a lot a 10th-grade student can do to stay on the right track toward college, and a lot a parent can do to help.

Take a look at these tips for thinking about the future, managing time, taking standardized tests, and more.

10th Grade Checklist Preparing For College

Learn More Indiana Grade 10 Checklist

First In The Family Grade 10 Planning Checklist

Parents

To Do:

• Find out whether your child’s school has college nights or financial aid nights. Plan to attend those events with your child.
• Help your child develop independence by encouraging him or her to take responsibility for balancing homework with any other activities or a part-time job.

To Explore:

• Learn about the standardized tests your child will be taking during 10th through 12th grades.
• Get a brief overview of financial aid from Do You Need Money for College—Federal Student Aid at a Glance.

Students

To Do:

• Meet with your school counselor or mentor to discuss colleges and their requirements.
• Consider taking a practice Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) or the PLAN exam.
• Plan to use your summer wisely: Work, volunteer, or take a summer course (away or at a local college).
• Go to career information events to get a more detailed look at career options.
• Research majors that might be a good fit with your interests and goals based on your results from the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search.

To Explore:

• Learn the differences between grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.

Sample Sophomore-To-Do-List IU

Start exploring Indiana University!

Dive in to your college search process!

It may seem like college is still several years away, but now is the time to start exploring! If you are ready to try out some new academic interests and are looking for clubs and activities that might be the right fit, Indiana University has a world of opportunities available to you. Start your exploration process by learning what makes IU so unique. Then, check out our tips below on preparing for college and take the next steps!

Start Exploring

• Choose one of 150+ majors or design your own like marine biology or the history of rock 'n roll through the Individualized Major Program.
• Think research might be for you? Get started as a Cox Research Scholar or a Science, Technology, and Research Scholar (STARS).
• Check out the view from from the IU student section in Assembly Hall--home of the best seat in college basketball.
• Want to see the world? IU's 100+ overseas study programs can take you to more than 30 countries.
• Live in special learning communities for people with common interests ranging from Outdoor Adventures to Computers to Performing Arts.
• Get involved in one of our 750+ student organizations. Spelunk, salsa, sing, or snowboard--we've got it all!
• Experience IU while you are still in high school by attending a summer camp like the Jacobs School of Music Summer Academy, Science Olympiad, or Honors Program for Foreign Languages.

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Get Ready for Admission

• Make sure you know what courses are required for admission. IU, for example, requires seven semesters of math, one of which MUST be pre-calculus, trigonometry, or calculus.
• Talk with your high school guidance counselor about the colleges that interest you and make a plan for your final years of high school.
• Include challenging courses in your schedule such as honors or AP courses that will prepare you for your college courses. But, make sure you create an appropriate balance and plan a schedule that is a good match for your abilities.
• Attend a college fair in your area. Listen to the questions being asked and pick up info to take home and read.
• When you find some colleges and universities that you are interested in, make sure you get on the mailing list (all colleges are different but you can usually accomplish this through the Admissions web site).
• Make your first college visit!
• Register for and take the PLAN or PSAT test to identify areas where you need to improve your skills; soon you'll be taking the SAT and/or ACT!
• Think about the subject areas that interest you and read about related majors online.
• Keep high school fun and build your leadership skills. Join some clubs or organizations that interest you or volunteer in your community.
• Start keeping a list of your honors and activities.