Sophomore year might feel early to start thinking seriously about college—but trust us, it’s the perfect time to lay the foundation. Tenth grade is all about building momentum. Colleges aren’t just looking at what you do junior and senior year; they want to see consistent academic effort, meaningful involvement, and growth over time. So what can 10th graders do now to stay on track for college? Here are 8 key steps to help make college dreams a reality.
1. Focus on Academic Performance
Grades earned in sophomore year are a critical part of the high school transcript and play a key role in college admissions. Students should aim to finish the year strong by preparing thoroughly for final exams and doing their best on AP or AICE tests, if enrolled. This is a valuable opportunity to show academic growth and the ability to handle challenging coursework while maintaining balance.
2. Build a Resume
Students should begin (or continue) documenting everything—weekend volunteering projects, completed online courses, part-time job responsibilities, etc. Maintaining a running list of accomplishments, leadership moments, and developing skills prevents the struggle to remember activities when crafting resumes and applications later on.
3. Get your Support Team Around You
Planning for college can feel overwhelming, even as early as 10th grade. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. And, an experienced college counselor won’t charge you extra for starting young; in fact, at International College Counselors, we charge the same if your child starts in 9th, 10th or 11th grades! Rather than waiting until junior year anxiety sets in, an ICC college advisor can help your student start building a compelling college story now—with purpose, strategy, and confidence.
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4. Strengthen Standardized Testing
The PSAT in 10th grade offers students a preview of standardized testing and can guide future SAT or ACT preparation. Now is a good time to look into test prep classes or begin contacting tutors, as some fill up quickly for the summer. We at ICC can help match you with the right tutors for your needs.
5. Begin Exploring Colleges
Early impressions collected during casual campus visits, online visits, or through following potential schools on social media help students articulate their preferences when the search intensifies. College visits can also transform college from an abstract concept into a tangible goal.
6. Develop Reading Habits Beyond Assignments
A hidden college prep advantage exists in regular, diverse reading. This practice builds vocabulary for standardized tests, provides cultural context for essays, and develops the analytical thinking professors expect. Beyond assigned reading, students should explore novels, non-fiction, quality journalism, and thought-provoking content that expands their worldview
7. Plan Strategic Summer Activities
The summer after sophomore year represents prime real estate on a college resume. Experiences that combine personal interests with genuine growth—whether coding bootcamps, local internships, community service projects, or creative pursuits—demonstrate initiative and purpose beyond simply checking boxes. International College Counselors can help students break through the noise—what will enhance your college application, and what’s simply “pay for play.” Whether students are building a new skill, exploring a potential major, or contributing meaningfully to their community, ICC advisors guide families toward enriching summer plans that move the needle on a college application
8. Initiate Financial Conversations
Understanding family finances and college affordability prevents painful surprises later. Open conversations about budget parameters, early exploration of scholarship opportunities, and realistic expectations about financial possibilities help shape a college list that makes sense both academically and financially.
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INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE COUNSELORS
No matter where your family is in the college admissions process, International College Counselors can help you with every aspect, including building and honing the college list, fine-tuning college applications, and writing admission essays. The expert team at International College Counselors includes former college admission officers, high school directors and counselors, and writing professionals with a combined 250+ years of experience, helping students and families successfully navigate the college application journey. For personalized guidance, contact International College Counselors at 954-414-9986 or email Marlene at marlene@internationalcollegecounselors.com.
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Join us Wednesday, April 30 @ 7 pm ET for the FREE webinar: Trends in College Admissions 2025
Even if you can’t make it to this webinar, if you register, we’ll email a link to the recording following the webinar.
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About International College Counselors
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International College Counselors is one of the largest educational consulting companies in the world. The expert educational consultants work with students from all over the world to help them reach their college and graduate school goals. Through a personal, one-on-one approach, students receive an individualized plan based on the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and passions. The holistic process helps families of middle school, high school, and college-aged students alleviate stress, avoid confusion, and get results.
Contact us today for your complimentary informational session with one of our expert college advisors.
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