Sophomore Planning

Sophomore Planning

  • Make certain you are enrolled in courses meeting Westmont's entry requirements:
    • English - 4 years
    • Science - 3 years (two years of laboratory science)
    • Mathematics - 3 years (including at least second-year algebra)* (Algebra I taken in the 8th grade is acceptable)
    • Foreign language - 2 years of one language (3 years recommneded) (American Sign Language not accepted unless verified by required documentation)
    • Social Science 2 years (history, government, sociolgy, political science, economics, psychology, civilization, geography)
    • Strong academic electives
  • Attend meetings with the college representatives who visit your school.
  • Read viewbooks, catalogs, and web sites.
  • Talk with teachers, college students, and/or recent graduates from your high school. Spend time in the college counseling office or career center.
  • Get on college mailing lists.
  • Begin keeping a journal. Develop a list of items important to you.
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October as practice. You will take it again as a junior and it’s as a junior you may qualify for a National Merit Scholarship.
  • Begin thinking about the SAT and SAT II. All UC schools recommend SAT II's. You can also think about taking the ACT.
  • Attend college fairs, parent nights, and financial aid workshops.
  • Review your high school course of study. Be challenged!
  • Talk to your counselor about Advanced Placement and Honors courses.
  • Get a summer job!
  • Keep track of your extracurricular activities and athletic programs. These will go on your college application.
  • Begin researching scholarship and financial aid programs. A good web site is: www.fastweb.com