Episode 113: Tips for High School Sophomores
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Episode 113: Tips for High School Sophomores

Date of Publication/发布日期
September 29, 2023
Author/发布者
Todd
Language/语言
English
Files & media
Volume
Volume 4 2023-2024

For most students in Grade 10 at a BASIS school, the stress usually increases compared to G9 – more AP courses, more homework, more demands on your time – and consequently, there is more stress about the GPA. So my tips for sophomores are as follows:

  1. Take care of your emotional and physical health by trying to balance time spent on study, study breaks, and physical activity. Give your brain some breaks—but don’t go overboard with distracting pursuits (like video games or social media.) Stay connected to relationships and activities that encourage you. When you need someone to talk to, make use of the social-emotional counseling team at BIPH.
  2. Earn the best GPA you can. Commit yourself first to learning. Good grades should be the outcome of effective learning. Also know that excellent grades in the rigorous BASIS curriculum is the first way to open doors to highly selective universities. So, develop or continue strong study habits and time management skills. Seek help from teachers and tutors as soon as you need it.
  3. Build a relationship with your counselor and your teachers. Your college counselor will be writing an important letter of recommendation for your college application. So make time to meet with him or her for getting better acquainted. It will be two of your teachers in G11, primarily, who also write recommendation letters for you. Start the habit now of getting to know your teachers so that you have a good reputation among teachers when you reach G11. (Teachers do talk among themselves.)
  4. Prepare for standardized tests: The SAT and ToEFL are still important factors in college admissions.
    1. Start preparing for the SAT next summer by taking practice tests and seeking out resources such as a weekend test prep course. You should take the SAT late in G11, then perhaps again in August of G12. The exam is offered on our campus.
    2. Take the ToEFL if/when you need it for a summer academic program but not later than near the end of G11, then maybe again early in G12. You want a score above 100 with at least 25 in each section. If you have hopes of an elite university, you should aim for around 115.
  5. Get involved in extracurricular activities: Colleges want to see you as a whole person, not just your academic side. Participating in extracurricular activities allows you to explore and demonstrate your interests, to develop leadership skills, and to show your passion for learning. Activities include school clubs and sports, academic competitions, college summer courses, plus volunteer work and internships outside of school. Do what genuinely interests you!
  6. Start researching colleges and careers: For your college education, clarify your own criteria, values, academic interests, and career goals so that you can research schools that align with them. In addition to ranking, consider factors such as location, climate, enrollment size, cost, average class size, and available programs of study. Use Cialfo to conduct your research. There you can see the outcome of applications made by BASIS-China students wherever they have applied. Note the GPAs, SAT & ToEFL scores, etc., so that you have an idea of what range of scores may be needed to apply successfully to the schools you’re interested in.

If you have questions, please send a Teams chat message to your counselor and/or come to our office to speak to someone. We’d be happy to see you. Have a great year!