SOPHOMORE YEAR

Tips:

• Pick one team or extracurricular from freshman year that you really loved. Stick with it! Demonstrating dedication is important to admissions officers. Plus, there's a better chance that you'll rise to a leadership position later on!
• Prep for the important junior year PSAT by taking it now (if your school offers it to sophomores). If not, and if your family can spare the coin, take the SAT I.
• Squeeze in time for college campus visits on family trips.
• Take AP Exams and SAT II tests in the appropriate classes. A good score could get you out of a college class later!
• Look for internships that will help you explore potential college majors.

Expert Advice:
"Students should be mindful of changes in testing requirements. Check schools' Web sites to see which version of the SAT each will accept, and whether or not SAT II tests or the ACT are required."

-- Judy Kowarsky, Associate Director of Admissions for the University of California