Getting College-Ready in 10th Grade

Deepen Academic Habits and Course Rigor

• Maintain strong study habits and time management systems

• Take on more rigorous coursework where it makes sense (honors, AP, IB)

• Strengthen relationships with teachers—they might write your recommendation letters

• Address any academic weaknesses before they become patterns

You should have a clearer sense now of what subjects come naturally and which require more effort. Sophomore year is when you decide whether to push into higher-level courses or maintain balance. Don't overload yourself with APs just because you can—choose rigor that aligns with your interests and capacity.

Hone Your Interests and Go Deeper

• Identify 2-4 activities you genuinely care about and invest more deeply

• Look for opportunities to take on more responsibility or leadership

• Drop activities that aren't meaningful—it's okay to quit things that don't fit

• Pursue interests outside of school-sponsored clubs (independent projects, hobbies, work)

Colleges aren't impressed by students who do everything. They're impressed by students who care deeply about something and show sustained engagement over time..

The goal isn't to manufacture leadership titles—it's to show genuine investment in things that matter to you.

Understand Testing: PSAT and Beyond

• You don't need intensive prep for the sophomore PSAT. Familiarize yourself with the format, take it seriously enough to get useful data, but don't stress about the score.

• Start learning the difference between the SAT and ACT (format, timing, content)

• Understand when these tests are offered and typical timelines for taking them

Testing timeline reality check: Most students take the SAT or ACT for the first time spring of junior year. Sophomore year is about awareness and light preparation, not intensive studying.

Continue Course Planning Strategically

• Ensure you're meeting college-prep requirements (4 years of English, math through at least Precalculus, 3-4 years of science, etc.)

• Plan junior year courses

Competitive colleges expect to see challenging coursework. That means taking hard classes in areas that interest you and maintaining strong performance.

Start Thinking About Summer Plans

• Look into summer programs related to your interests (academic, arts, leadership, service)

• Consider internships, part-time work, or intensive volunteering

A summer spent working a job, pursuing a passion project, or diving deep into a volunteer commitment is just as valuable (often more so) than a pricey resume-building program.