Information for Sophomores
You're a pro at Testudo. Maybe you're taking an upper level class. And it's been weeks since you've gotten lost on campus. But there's more to discover in your second year.
- You will likely still be living on campus. Consider where you want to live in the future (e.g. an apartment, group house, etc.).
- Consider applying to be a resident assistant (RA) in the future.
- The application for FAFSA usually opens Oct. 1. The earlier you submit it, the more funding will be available for the grants/scholarships for which you are eligible. January 1 comes quick!
- Think about any roadblocks last year and make a plan for how you will address them this year.
- Potential financial aid opportunities and non-federal scholarships for non-citizens from the U.S. federal government
- Reassess your 4-Year Plan. This is a good time to finalize majors and minors, if you are not currently in a degree-granting program.
- You can only be in Letters and Sciences until the end of your sophomore year.
- LEP majors have 45-credit review, which is usually reached during your sophomore year.
- Ask yourself some questions about how you learn best: Have you tried different note taking styles and reading strategies? Have you identified where on campus you learn best?
- This is a time when you start better understanding the systems in place in your college.
- You may begin to notice a gap between your home and school lives.
- Continue seeking out social connections and new friendships with people you really connect with.
- Make sure you are taking care of your mental health. Reach out if you need help. Counseling Center: https://www.counseling.umd.edu/
- It's ok if you didn't have an internship your freshman year! Sophomore year is a good time to start thinking about summer internships now that you have more experience. Application deadlines can start as early as September (for the following summer) and be as late as April or May. It’s never too soon to start looking.
- Make meaningful connections with people who can give you professional references in the future.