SOPHOMORE YEAR

April & May
By now, your parents have probably started in with the advice on preparing for college. Listen to what they say, but trust your own experience and interests too. Keep exploring colleges, majors, and career options. The more familiar you are with all the options out there, the more you'll be able to focus on things that interest you the most.

Speaking of exploring, it wouldn't hurt to familiarize yourself with some scholarships, even just ones from local universities and colleges. A ton of scholarships are based on grades and test scores, and many scholarship apps ask for a list of activities, letters of recommendation, and sometimes essays. In other words, it's important that you know now what you'll be judged on later.

Consider taking an SAT Subject Test in June to correspond with final exams (you'll be studying the stuff anyway).
Keep an eye out for College Night at your school—while it will likely be geared toward juniors, attend if you can.

How Important Are the SAT Subject Tests in College Admissions?
Reports on Recent SAT Subject Tests
Dispelling the Myths about the SAT and College Admission