10th Grade College Prep: What High School Sophomores Should Be Doing Now
Sophomore year might feel early to start thinking seriously about college—but trust us, it’s the perfect time to lay the foundation with 10th grade college prep. 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. Work with a College Advisor at International College Counselors
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. 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.
Working with a college counselor—even in 10th grade (especially in 10th grade)—can give you a huge advantage.
4. Strengthen Standardized Testing
The PSAT 10 in 10th grade offered 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 and begin contacting tutors, as some fill up quickly for the summer. We at ICC can help identify experienced tutors. Students should plan to take the SAT and ACT in their junior year. Also in 11th grade, the PSAT is a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, and students should take this seriously to potentially earn money and recognition.
5. Begin Exploring Colleges
While extensive cross-country tours aren’t necessary yet, students should begin noticing what environments energize them. A sprawling campus might feel exciting or overwhelming; a small college town might seem charming or limiting. 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. There are still plenty of outstanding programs with open spots, and International College Counselors can help students find options that match their interests and goals. Whether students want to build a new skill, explore a potential major, or contribute meaningfully to their community, ICC advisors are here to guide families toward enriching summer plans.
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.