Tenth grade is a banner year for most kids. For the most part, the classes your child takes this year will determine the courses your child will be qualified to take in grades 11 and 12. In terms of preparing for college, it’s an important time, since AP and honors classes require prerequisites that your child will need to be fulfilling this year and next. You and your child should have an open discussion and strategically map out classes together.
Sophomore year also marks the beginning of standardized testing. This year, students can take a practice PSAT/NMSQT — a preparatory step for the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT next year. For students planning on taking the ACT, the PLAN assessment is also administered in their sophomore year. If it hasn’t already started, it’s buckle-down time!
Newsletter
Monthly Break-downÂ
September
Encourage preliminary testing
Make sure your child gets in touch with the school guidance counselor about taking the PSAT/NMSQT. Although the “real” PSAT/NMSQT is taken in October of junior year, this is a great way for your child to get familiar with the test.
In ACT regions, they should ask about the PLAN schedule. The PLAN helps immensely in predicting your child’s performance on the ACT. Both tests will help your child prepare for the “big” tests next year.
Get a head start
It’s also time to start checking out college fairs and possibly meeting with school representatives that come to town. Encourage your child to start investigating schools by attending one fair and a session or two with representatives at school. But don’t push it — this might be way too early!
If your child seems okay with this, encourage the creation/modification of a list of colleges that are possible destinations.
October
Stay coordinated
Mark the date for the PSAT/NMSQT in big red letters on the wall calendar! Your child should be doing a little prep work for this test, but don’t forget to maintain open dialogue on how classes and activities are going. Remember: this is a practice run.
December
Make plans for improvement
PSAT/NMSQT scores should be back by now and between you, your child, and the high school counselor, strategies for improving weak areas should be developed, if necessary.
January/February
Keep talking
PSAT/NMSQT scores should be back by now and between you, your child, and the high school counselor, strategies for improving weak areas should be developed, if necessary.
Stay active
Take a look at extracurricular activities as well, not just from the standpoint of whether or not they’re going well, but if they are having a negative impact on your child’s studies and need to be cut back.
March
Consider additional testing
You and your child (and perhaps the school counselor) should discuss SAT Subject Tests and APs, although many students wait until their junior year. May and June are the usual test times and the most common test taken by sophomores is biology, as it is often a completed subject by this time.
April
Break out the sunscreen
Summer is coming up again, and your child should be considering what options are best for his summer plans. Vacations are nice, but so is earning money or enhancing one’s transcript with a summer camp or program!
Check the schedule
If your child needs to, he or she should register for June SAT Subject Tests now.
May/June
Plan for the coming school year
Testing aside, gently oversee registration for next fall’s classes and activities. Urge your child to select (or continue) the most challenging classes possible and to participate in at least one community service activity. Finalize any summer plans, and, just as you did last year, devise a summer reading list together that will help the transition into junior year.
Summer
Make the break a productive one
Your child should have a job or be participating in constructive activities throughout the summer. Summer study, jobs, and volunteer work always rate high with admission officials. If your child has a career goal in mind, see if you can help arrange a day where he or she can “shadow” someone who works in that field.
Do some early research
The Web provides good college entrance information, as well as online applications to many institutions. Summer is a great time for you and your child to check out some of the sites and bookmark your favorites.
Grade 10 Timeline
Click here to learn more about how you can get your child ready throughout the years
Fall
- Â In October, take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) for practice. When you fill out your test sheet, check the box that releases your name to colleges so you can start receiving brochures from them.
- Ask your guidance counselor about the American College Testing program to prepare you for the ACT Assessment next year.
- Take geometry if you have not already done so. Take a second year of a foreign language.
- Become familiar with general college entrance requirements.
- Participate in your school’s or state’s career development activities.
Winter
- Â Discuss your PSAT score with your counselor.
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The people who read college applications aren’t looking just for grades. Get involved in activities outside the classroom. Work toward leadership positions in the activities that you like best. Become involved in community service and other volunteer activities.
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Read, read, read. Read as many books as possible from a comprehensive reading list.
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Work on your writing skills—you’ll need them no matter what you do.
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Find a teacher or another adult who will advise and encourage you to write well.
Spring
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Keep your grades up so you can have the highest GPA and class rank possible.
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Ask your counselor about postsecondary enrollment options and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
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Continue to explore interests and careers that you think you might like.
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Begin zeroing in on the type of college you would prefer (two-year or four-year, small or large, rural or urban).
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If you are interested in attending a military academy, such as West Point or Annapolis, now is the time to start planning and getting information.
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Write to colleges and ask for their academic requirements for admission.
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Visit a few more college campuses. Read all of the mail you receive from colleges. You may see something you like.
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Attend college fairs.
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Keep putting money away for college. Get a summer job.
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Consider taking SAT II Subject Tests in the courses you took this year while the material is still fresh in your mind. These tests are offered in May and June.
HOBY
Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminars are three- to four-day weekend events held each spring. HOBY’s purpose is to bring together a select group of high school sophomores who have demonstrated leadership ability so that they can interact with groups of distinguished leaders in business, government, education, and the professions to discuss present and future issues.
All sophomores are eligible to apply. HOBY is truly a FUN, life-motivating experience. Our school’s designated selection committee will choose one student to represent our school at our local HOBY leadership seminar, based on your leadership ability, sensitivity to others, and desire to communicate your knowledge to your peers.
For more information click here.
Grade 10 Faculty
Verna Correll
Guidance
Elizabeth Deljanovan
English
Chris Lusk
Math
Stephen Radulski
History
Brett Zalonis
Science
Elizabeth Frey
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