College Center » Freshman/Sophomore College Checklist

Freshman/Sophomore College Checklist

Freshman & Sophomores, it's never too early to start planning!
FALL SEMESTER:
  • Advance in mathematics, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or higher. 
  • Continue to advance in the same modern language. 
  • Challenge yourself! Many universities will use your 10th and 11th grades to calculate your admission GPA. 10th graders, keep in mind, that some colleges grant credit if you score a 3 or higher on your AP exam. You may visit www.collegeboard.com for minimum scores required at different universities to earn credit. Use CPHS Tutoring Programs (The Boys and Girls Club College Bound program on MWF 3-6pm) and other helpful websites such as or www.youtube.com/user/KhanAcademyEspanol keep your grades up! 
  • Make an appointment with Mrs. Penman in the College and Career Center.
  • Take a Career Interest Inventory with the www.Bridges.com program. To create an account, please visit Major/Career Exploration section of this website or online at www.cacareerzone.com
  • Continue extracurricular activities to build your resume. Admissions Representatives will consider this a great example of community involvement.
  • Attend CPHS College Night.Attend as many university visits during the fall semester in the College & Career Center.
  • 10th graders take ACT Aspire date to be announced.
  • 10th graders take the PSAT in October. The PSAT is only given once a year. The Counseling Office will make an announcement about registration for the exam early October. The score will not count towards college admissions, but it is valuable practice for the real exam. All high school students who take the PSAT/NMSQT can connect to My College QuickStart, a free personalized planning kit based on their test results. Students can then gain access at www.collegeboard.com/psatextra creating an online account, and entering the access code found on their official Score Report Plus. 
  • Plan early for academic enrichment programs, summer internships, community college courses or employment. 
  • Attend NACAC College Fair visit for information http://www.nacacnet.org/EventsTraining/CollegeFairs/Pages/default.aspx 
  • Begin to visit universities throughout the school year. Make sure to contact the campus tours office for information and schedules. Winter and Spring Break is a good time to schedule visits. 
  • If you are taking an Advanced Placement course you may want to consider taking the corresponding Subject Test in June. The Subject Exams are only required by some colleges. You will need to check with individual colleges regarding their exam requirements. Keep in mind, that some exams are given in selective months for example, the Japanese and Spanish Listening exams are only given in the month of November. Plan to register in April for the June test administration or in the summer for the November exam. Register at www.collegeboard.com
  • You may want to purchase or download free study materials for the PSAT, SAT, AP exams and Subject Tests. Visit the following websites to familiarize yourself with college exams, college searches and majors: www.collegeboard.com ,www.act.org, www.assist.org, www.aiccumentor.org and www.petersons.com
  • If you decide to take an AP class you will be required to take the AP exam in the month on May.