How early is too early?

They say the early bird catches the worm — but how early is too early? With friends and siblings heading off to college and Samo teachers piling on the homework, sophomores are feeling the college pressure more than ever.Karan Rajalingham, one college-bound sophomore said, “This year I am very cautious about my grades because I know that starting in tenth grade all your records count and everything matters.”While Rajalingam recognizes the importance of strong transcripts, others worry about the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) which is offered to all students at Samo.“I am feeling pressure through the PSAT and constant lectures from teachers about what we should do to prepare.” sophomore Serina Bernstein said.While academics are cause for a fair amount of the pressure on college-bound sophomores, life outside of school is also known to create stress.“High school students have so many interests in addition to their academic lives. On the one hand, these activities make you happy, but on the other hand can lead to overload and stress. Ask yourself if you are playing this instrument or involved in the sport for the sheer love of it, or are you just taking part because you want your high school resume to look college-worthy,” freshman and sophomore English teacher Kristine Haenschke said.In some way or another, sophomores are experiencing the college pressure. But what can sophomores do now to ease this feeling of trepidation?“Stay organized, do your homework, get involved. The rest will fall in line.” Freshman Seminar, World History, and AP Government teacher Rose Ann Salumbides said.Sophomores, here are a few tips to make the road to college less bumpy.

1. Attend the College Fair on October 12. The College Fair provides an opportunity for students to obtain informational pamphlets from hundreds of colleges and to speak with representatives from each college who can provide students with insight into different colleges. “In order to choose a school, you have to know what you like in a school.” said college counselor Julie Honda.
2. Take advantage of college visits at Samo.
3. Begin researching scholarships to see which you could be eligible for.
4. Dedicate a summer to taking college tours. If you are having a stay-cation, sign up for tours of local universities.
5. Purchase a college guide or check one out at your local library. If you are unable to go out-of-state, at least you can narrow down your list of prospective colleges.
6. Open a free account with www.collegeboard.com. Once you open an account, the website will keep you up to date on what you need to be doing according to your grade level to better prepare yourself for the road to college. Collegeboard also provides you with the tools to create a resume.
7. Every year mock SATs and ACTs and PSATs are held. Take one—it is great practice.
8. Talk to your parents, talk to other people that went to college, they can give you an idea of what they liked and didn’t like about the college process.” said Honda.
9. Form connections with teachers, administrators and counselors. Teachers will be your source for college recommendations, administrators can offer advice and encouragement and counselors can ensure that you stay on track for college using the Four Year Plan.
10. Work hard, but remember to balance that hard work with relaxation and fun. You still have time! You are only a high school sophomore once.

Chelsea BrandweinStaff Writer