2. Staying on the Right Track
Sophomore Year
Staying on the Right Track

3. After today, you will learn…
Tips for Sophomores
Choosing a Career
Choices after High School
Going to School after High School
Paying for School

4. Did You Know..
A Third of US dropouts never reach the 10th grade?

5. A Few Tips! Review schedule & check credits with your counselor
Sign up for the PSAT and/or PLAN
Keep your GPA up – important for scholarships and college admission
Explore potential careers
Stay involved in extracurricular activities
Look for summer opportunities
Attend college fairs
Research colleges
Challenge yourself
Stay focused!!!

6. Time Management Tips Use a planner to keep track of important
dates and deadlines and GET ORGANIZED!
Set achievable goals
Make a To-Do list every day
Use spare minutes wisely
It’s ok to say NO
Get a good night sleep
Communicate your schedule with others
Determine your priorities

7. Choosing a Career Learn More About Yourself
Take a look at:
Your skills
Your career goals
Your interests
Focus on careers that:
Pertain to your personality
Represent the lifestyle you want
Reflect the goals you have set for yourself
Try it out:
Volunteer in a related field
Work part-time
Job shadow for a day or two
Do an internship once you’re in school

8. Choosing a Career Learn More About Your Career
Tennessee College and Career Planning System
Career Interest Assessment
Confidence Skills Assessment
Work Values Assessment
Begin your career portfolio
Username and Password
Ask counselor for an Activation code

9. Tennessee College and Career Planning System
Occupation
Overview
Resume
Builder
Education
Planner
College & Scholarship
Search
Nat’l Job
Database

10. “Our choices determine our destiny.”
Work
Military
Vocational/Technical School
2 year Community College
4 year University
“Our choices determine our destiny.”
A.R. Bernard

11. What Businesses Expect from High School Students
Basic Math
Problem Solving/Critical Thinking
Verbal Communication
Teamwork
Organizational Skills
Professionalism (being on time, work ethic, dress, attitude, etc.)

12. Join the Military Take the ASVAB Talk to a recruiter Need basic skills
Learn a useful trade or make a career in the military
Great way to fund your education

13. Vocational/Technical School
A Technical Diploma provides you with the quickest way to gain the technical skills to join the workplace fast and efficiently. 
Over 83% of jobs require a technical degree.
Continue your education while working in your field of expertise.
84% of grads are placed in the field of study

14. Going to Postsecondary School? What Fits?
Type of School
Location
Size of the School
Cost and Financial Aid
Campus Activities
Majors Offered

15. Going to Postsecondary School? What Can You Do Now?
Create an Academic Resume
keep a record of your awards/honors & activities/volunteer work
Research colleges &
scholarships Internet & college visits
Attend college fairs
meet with college representatives at your school

16. Going to Postsecondary School - What Can You Do Now?
Begin your college search by viewing virtual tours of over 1,300 college campuses!
Create an Academic Resume
keep a record of your awards/honors & activities/volunteer work
Research colleges & scholarships
Internet & college visits
Attend college fairs
meet with college representatives at your school

17. The eCampusTours college planning newsletter and service reminds students about important deadlines and provides helpful college planning articles and tips.
Students are sent dynamic content based upon their year in school.
eCampusTours articles have been reprinted in college planning magazines throughout the country.

18. What do colleges consider?
Getting into College The Admissions Process
What do colleges consider?
Grade Point Average
(9th – 12th grade counts!)
Rigorous curriculum
The ACT and SAT
(college entrance exams)
The application/essay
Extracurricular activities
Letters of recommendation

19. Paying for School Financial Aid
Money that assists
students and their families in funding their college education.

20. Know the Lingo: Financial Aid
Getting into College - The Admissions Process
Know the Lingo: Financial Aid
FAFSA
Grants
Scholarships
Work Study
Loans
FAFSA
The ACT and SAT
Take during the spring semester of your junior year
Retake ACT or SAT during fall semester of your senior year
Check with the School Counseling Office for test dates
Register online at or

21. Review: College Planning Tips
Take a practice PSAT
Fall
Start preparing for the ACT
Stay on track
Learn about the college admissions process
Explore potential careers
Winter
Take on new roles
Read, read, read
Practice your writing
Get advice from your counselor
Spring/Summer
Keep your grades up
Contact/visit colleges
Get a summer job
Review: College Planning Tips

22. Challenge Yourself Be better tomorrow than you are today!!!
Find what you are good at and become great!!!
Put forth an extra effort even if it is not easy!!!

23. www.eCampustours.com www.planningyourdreams.org www.edsouth.org/SOS
@EdsouthSOS
@eCampusTours
@StudentOutreachServices
Student Outreach Services from Edsouth
eCampusTours.tumblr.com
LEARN MORE
Getting into College - The Admissions Process
The ACT and SAT
Take during the spring semester of your junior year
Retake ACT or SAT during fall semester of your senior year
Check with the School Counseling Office for test dates
Register online at or