College Planning for sophomores, what to do in sophomore year of high school, college counselor, college consulting services, how to prepare for college, college readiness for teens
Most families don’t start thinking seriously about college until junior year, when suddenly everything feels urgent. Testing. Campus tours. GPAs. Deadlines.
But here’s the truth: Sophomore year is the quiet engine powering everything that comes later.
It’s the most underutilized year in high school—and one of the most valuable in College Planning. With the right guidance, sophomore year becomes the year students build momentum, confidence, and clarity, without the pressure of looming applications.
Whether you’re a parent wondering when to get a college counselor involved or a student looking to make the most of high school, this guide walks you through how sophomore year can set the stage for a powerful, low-stress college journey.
1. Grades Count, but Growth Counts More
Sophomore year is when students often face their first real academic hurdles—honors classes, tougher teachers, or time management struggles. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s an opportunity to build resilience and focus on personal development.
If your teen needs a mindset shift, introduce them to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. Super helpful for building self-awareness, responsibility, and long-term vision.
A skilled college counselor will help your student reflect on what worked (and didn’t) in freshman year, set new goals, and build the executive function and study skills needed for upper-level coursework.
2. Explore Interests Before Pressure Sets In
Junior year can be so packed that there’s little space for curiosity. That’s why sophomore year is ideal for exploration.
Encourage students to try electives, sign up for clubs, or simply observe what excites them. One of our favorite ways to kickstart reflection is by watching Simon Sinek’s “Find Your Why” TEDx talk. It helps students see that passion doesn’t come from a résumé—it starts from within.
Not sure where to begin? Our college consulting services help students uncover what matters most and channel those interests into meaningful opportunities, without burning out.
3. Build Strong Relationships with Teachers
One of the most overlooked parts of college readiness is relationship-building. Sophomore year is the perfect time to:
- Visit teachers during office hours
- Speak up in class
- Show initiative and follow-through
Need support learning how to do that? We love the book Crucial Conversations—great for teens, building confidence with communication.
These early relationships lead to stronger grades and powerful recommendation letters down the road.
4. Create a Testing Timeline (Without the Panic)
Sophomore year isn’t the time to take the SAT or ACT—but it is the right time to get oriented.
We work with families to:
- Review PSAT 10 results (without stress)
- Discuss timelines for SAT/ACT prep
- Explore whether test-optional policies might be a good fit
Our partners at Emerging Educational Consulting’s Test Prep Division provide expert support tailored to each student’s strengths, schedule, and goals.
5. Executive Function Matters More Than Ever
This is often the year when procrastination, disorganization, or time blindness become more obvious. The workload increases, and students who once coasted may find themselves overwhelmed.
Rather than waiting for academic challenges to pile up, sophomore year is the time to:
- Set up systems for tracking assignments
- Create simple study routines
- Explore tools that support time management
Learn more about our Executive Function Coaching and Additional Academic Services through Emerging—we support students in building habits that will serve them long after high school.
6. Get Curious About Colleges—Gently
This isn’t the year to build a college list—but it is the time to build college awareness and lay the groundwork for thoughtful College Planning. A low-pressure introduction to the world of higher ed helps students gain clarity without anxiety.
You can:
- Visit a few local campuses, just to see what feels exciting or overwhelming
- Start asking questions like “Do you want to be in a city?” or “What size feels right?”
- Reflect together after visits
Our recent blog on How to Research Colleges (Without Overwhelm) is a great place to start—and it includes a free downloadable reflection sheet for campus visits.
7. Start a Résumé or Brag Sheet
Sophomore year is a great time to begin tracking activities, roles, volunteer work, and accomplishments. A simple brag sheet helps students:
- See the emerging themes in their involvement
- Reflect on what they enjoy most
- Make future planning (like summer) easier
Not sure how to start? We provide templates, examples, and 1-on-1 support through our college consulting services.
8. Begin Gentle Self-Discovery
Sophomore year isn’t just about building a college application—it’s about becoming more of who you are. That means making space for:
- Journaling
- Conversations about values and goals
- Trying new experiences—even if they don’t “look good” on paper
Our college counselors are trained to support students with self-reflection practices that lead to stronger essays, interviews, and, more importantly, a stronger sense of self.
Final Thought: Start Smart, Stay Steady
College Planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. And it definitely doesn’t have to wait.
Sophomore year is often the overlooked foundation of a successful college journey. When students use this time to grow academically, personally, and emotionally, they enter junior year with momentum, not stress.
If you’re ready to start building a solid, thoughtful foundation for your student, our team is here to help.
Ready to Take the First Step?
- Schedule a meeting to learn more about what we offer and how we are different
- Learn more about our college planning and consulting services
- Download our College Timeline for Launch
- Sign up for Test Prep
