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Sophomore Information
What's Happening.....
September
- Try to get off to a great start academically. Tenth grade
A's and D's count just as much as junior and senior grades.
You are on the way to establishing a GPA and rank that will be key
factors in the eyes of college admissions staff.
- Explore clubs and activities both in and out of school
that offer chances to develop your interests, talents and
leadership skills. Consider volunteering in your community. (Your goal
shouldn't necessarily be to develop a long list of extra-curricular's.
Colleges would prefer to see passion and commitment to one or two
activities.)
October
- This month all sophomores will take the PLAN
test. The PLAN is a practice ACT. Please
pay close attention to the Daily Bulletins and to the Student Services home page for more specific details and dates.
- Now is the time to get to know your dean if you haven't.
You may want to map out a plan for your next two years.
- If you have an older brother or sister and they are
visiting a college, accompany them to get a feel for what it is like.
- Work on your study skills and your time management.
Refining these skills will prove very beneficial as you move
into
the upper classes.
- The Minnesota National College Fair
will happen during this month. Please see the Daily Bulletin or the MNCF
link for more information.
- The end of the first quarter occurs this month.
Although the grades
from the quarter are not final, they do give a good indication of
how you are doing at MVHS. If your grades are not where you
would like
them, please learn how to seek out help. This could include
contacting a teacher, attending study sessions put on by
National Honors Society (NHS) or speaking with your dean.
November
- Parents and teachers will have a chance to meet this month
(refer to School Calendar or Daily Bulletin for specific
dates). We strongly
encourage parents and students to attend Parent Teacher Conferences.
Even veteran parents still learn
new information and find better ways of helping their student succeed
on this night.
- Any chance you may want to participate in collegiate
athletics? Make sure to check out the NCAA
requirements for participation in college athletics.
December
- In this month the school usually receives the results from
the PLAN test which was taken in October. Look forward to a
special Sophomore Parent's Night where
we will ask parents and students to come and have
the PLAN test explained. Not only is the PLAN test a good
indicator of future ACT scores, but it also has an interest
survey
and can help students begin the thought of what to do after high
school.
- Now is a pretty good time to start requesting information
for
schools that you may be interested in. However, be ready for lots of
mail.
- During Winter Break,
consider visiting local colleges.
January
- First
Semester Ends
in this month (see School Calendar for specific
date). This will
result in final grades that stay on your transcript through your HS
experience. If you are not please about your grades, please
seek assistance or advice from a teacher or dean.
- Begin discussions with your parents about college
plans--especially financial considerations, distance from home, etc.
- Register
for your junior year. Think carefully about your course
choices. Consider the advice of your parents and teachers. Make sure
you are scheduled for the (1) appropriate classes needed for graduation
and (2) for the colleges you might someday wish to attend. (Keep in
mind that colleges will look for challenging coursework.) See your dean if you have questions.
February
- Visit some of the internet sites recommended on our Resources page.
March
- Students in AP classes may want to register for AP
exams, if appropriate. See our testing page that describes these tests. This page is located under Planning for the Future on the left sidebar of our site.
- Consider taking SAT Subject Tests
while subjects are fresh in your head (ie. take the
Biology exam
after completing Accelerated
Biology or the US History exam after the
AP US History course). For more information, please see our SAT Testing page under Planning for the Future on the left sidebar of our site.
- Please look forward to Parent Teacher Conferences
again this month. At this point teachers should have
mid-quarter
grades prepared and will be ready to discuss your student's performance
in the second semester.
April
- Attend the regional College Fair
at Normandale Community College.
- Investigate potential summer experiences: work, summer
school, special workshops, and college enrichment programs designed for
high school students.
- Consider taking SAT Subject Tests while subjects
are fresh in your head (ie. take the Biology exam
after completing Accelerated
Biology or the US History exam after the
AP US History course). Registration usually ends in May.
- As the sun begins to shine more, be very careful of the
temptation to
put aside all of your work and play. We understand that nicer
weather
is great, but unfortunately too many students begin to
form habits that
they later regret during this month.
May
- Take the AP and SAT exams that you've registered for (see
above).
- This month there will be an Academic Awards night.
This
is a special time to celebrate the successes and achievements
of individuals at MVHS.
June
- Usually in this month SAT offers subject tests again.
Be sure to visit the College Board website for information and dates.
Summer
- Find a summer
job and start saving for college. Summer jobs that might be
related to your career interests are a plus.
- Take advantage of your more flexible schedule to
prepare for the PSAT, SAT or ACT. For links to some
preparation
services, please click here.
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