High School Survival Guide - Sophomore Year (P1)

Next up, let's talk about sophomore year. Sophomore year is definitely one of those memorable years in my life because I've gone through a lot during that time, and I've learned many lessons about taking care of myself. All right, let's get right into it.

The first piece of advice I would like to share is to consider taking the PSAT or the SAT. Usually, if you are attending U.S. schools, this will be a crucial component of your college application. Try to achieve a high score on these exams. At my school, people are often very stressed about taking the SAT, and many have spent a lot of money attending various prep courses. However, I am proud to say that I am good at self-studying, and I used my skills to prepare for the SAT. Eventually, I achieved the score I wanted.

To give you some advice, I strongly recommend finding books online or at your local library that relate to the SAT or even the ACT, if you prefer. Additionally, take as many practice exams as possible. This will help you become familiar with the test format and manage your time effectively, as these exams are timed. You will also gain a better understanding of the content areas being tested, allowing you to prepare academically for those types of questions.

The next piece of advice I would like to share is to consider increasing the difficulty of your courses. Look for challenging courses available at your school and push yourself. I’m discussing this from the perspective of college applications because, let’s be real, everyone wants to get into top colleges. One way to demonstrate to universities that you are capable of handling rigorous coursework is by taking difficult classes. However, do try to balance your time; studying alone can be harmful, and I really don’t recommend it.

Next, when it comes to clubs, try to seek leadership positions in your various clubs. If you want to make a significant difference in your college application, you need to build yourself as a leader. What I mean by this is that you should strive to take on higher roles in these clubs. College admission officers admire those who take initiative, make a difference, and show passion for their activities. This is something I highly recommend.

Another piece of advice is to be more engaged at your school. This doesn’t only mean joining clubs; it also includes participating in other activities available at your school. For example, consider helping out on orientation day by meeting new freshmen who are just starting high school. You might also join different teams or academic groups. This way, you not only show your school that you are someone who can engage in activities but also become an active member of your community. Additionally, you can build connections with older students to learn from them when college application time comes.

However, I must emphasize this: do focus on your grades. While it’s valuable to take challenging courses, that doesn’t mean you should take them just for the sake of having them on your transcript. If you still have low scores, that won’t look good on your college application, and schools may think you are incapable of succeeding in their programs. Therefore, please spend your time on academic work and seek help from your friends, family, or teachers when you have difficulties.

To manage this, prioritize your time well. Remember, you only have 24 hours in a day, just like everyone else. What will make you stand out academically is your dedication to your work, your ability to prioritize effectively, and your willingness to cut out distractions that aren’t important to you.