Hey sophomores (and parents)!

Seniors are wrapping up decisions before May 1. Juniors are deep in ACT/SAT, APs, and more. But what about you—the class of 2028? Spring of sophomore year feels far from college apps, but small actions now open way more doors later.
Here are three practical action items to focus on this spring and summer to set yourself up for success:

1. Take practice versions of the ACT and SAT—figure out which one fits you best.

We recommend doing this near the end of sophomore year or right after school ends.

Why now?

  • You’ll head into junior year with a clear plan.
  • See if you’re already in range for National Merit (via PSAT scores). If yes, our summer PSAT prep can help you qualify!
  • If you play fall/winter sports, summer prep lets you test early (SAT/ACT options start in August/September 2026).

Every student is different—some shine on the ACT’s faster pace, others on the SAT’s style. A quick practice test over summer gives you time to choose the right test and date.

Pro tip: Sign up for a free practice ACT or SAT at Get Smarter Prep. We’ll score it and give personalized feedback so you know exactly where you stand.

2. Finish sophomore year strong—with your best grades possible.

This one sounds basic, but it’s huge. You can retake the SAT, ACT (or even your driver’s test), but sophomore grades are locked in forever once the year ends. Colleges look closely at your transcript—strong grades show consistency and work ethic. Push hard these last few months: study smart, ask for help, and stay organized. Your future self will thank you!

3. Make your summer after sophomore year count.

It’s tempting to just chill before junior year’s intensity hits—but this summer is a golden window.

Ideas to build your profile:

  • Interested in something your school doesn’t offer (like botany, coding, psychology)? Take a community college or online course—it looks impressive and sparks real passion.
  • Want college savings + resume boost? Get a part-time job. It shows responsibility and can lead to great connections (my grandfather worked as a delivery runner for a law firm one summer; after graduating law school, he was hired by that same law firm!).
  • Short on time for a fixed schedule? Volunteer in your community, write an article for a magazine/blog, start researching colleges, or kick off light test prep.

Even small steps build momentum and make your application stand out.

Bottom line: Most sophomores don’t know their dream school yet—and that’s totally fine!
Following these three steps gives you the strongest foundation possible. When application time comes, you’ll have higher scores, better grades, meaningful experiences, and way more options. You’ve got this—start small now, and watch the possibilities grow. Need a free practice test or quick chat about your plan? Contact us. We’re here to help!