Sophomores Counseling Info
Sophomores, here's what to expect this year.
It’s time to get involved!
Sophomore year is about preparing for what’s coming as upperclassmen and what better way to do that then join clubs, sports teams, choir, theater, etc. Do you know where and when you can do that?
Club Drive is usually at the end of August and runs through the middle of September. To take a look at what clubs we have on campus take a look here
Sports vary by season. Listen to the announcements and get involved in the teams’ summer conditioning to meet coaches and other players, but most importantly, get out there and try out.
Drama Lab and Choir are other excellent ways to be involved in school activities. Talk to Mrs. Moreau in room 306 or Mr. Hernandez in room 209.
Bottom line: become a part of the school culture on campus and have fun while doing it!!
PSAT and PreACT
Don’t worry…while you are expected to take the nationwide test in October, it’s not as serious as it sounds. The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (taken at BMHS every October freshmen-junior year) and Preliminary American College Tests (not offered at BMHS) are shortened practice exams leading up and through Junior year that simulate their respective college tests, SAT and ACT (Winter practice tests offered for both in January at BMHS). Taking these tests will help you understand time management within each section, types of questions (tricky or straightforward), and the differences in scoring. You will also be able to gauge where you are and which test to focus on to improve your score.
Once you are comfortable with a certain test, be sure to study for the real thing during your Junior year. Different ways to study: buy a book and study on your own, research different test agencies in the area that offer individual or group sessions, or hire a tutor you trust to help guide you in the right direction. Whatever you decide…studying and becoming more familiar with the format of the test is a great way to start the testing process.
Studying and Grades
In your sophomore year, classes become a little tougher. Planning out the best way to study and learning teacher expectations for each class allows for you to figure out the best strategies for learning the material. Taking great notes is especially important! There are many different ways to take notes. If you need a guide, wikihow https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Better-Notes can help you. Take a look!
All of your grades are important and with classes getting tougher, it’s even more vital to stay on top of things. If you’re having trouble in a class, talk to your teacher first as soon as possible. If you don’t think you’re getting anywhere, see your counselor. They may be able to give more strategies on how to improve and are there to support you by listening and checking in with you frequently throughout the year. Remember, these grades you are earning get you into college. Start strong, finish stronger!!!
The Journey towards College and Naviance Student
While college seems way off, it really isn’t and starting your college research now will make it easier for you later. An easy way to get started is getting into your Naviance Student account and doing the Career Interest Profiler and Strengths Explorer located in the About Me section. If you have no idea what you want to do, this can help narrow things down based on your interests. If you already have a good idea, then use the Career Cluster Finder in the About Me section or go to the Career section and click on the Explore Careers and Clusters to get more information about the careers you’re interested in…find out what majors are connected to these careers and build your college research on what you find. Access Naviance Student here.
Another great way to get to know what you want is to visit colleges especially locally. We live in a densely populated city with many colleges within an hour or two distance, there’s really no excuse not to find out what you do and don’t like about a college. Take a tour, visit siblings or friends on college campuses, and ask lots of questions! BMHS also offers in person and virtual visits with College Reps. Look in google classroom or canvas to see who is offering a visit at lunch or after school. In person visits will be in the Senior Lunch Area (yes, you are allowed in there to see the College Rep!) Virtual visits will have zoom codes for you to log in, get information and ask questions...remember, these are the people who read your college applications. Get to know them! They're a great resource!
