Why the Best College Applications Start Sophomore Year
It’s easy to think college applications happen in the fall of senior year. Technically, that’s true—but the best applications are built long before the Common App even opens. Here’s what colleges are really evaluating:
What did this student choose to do with their time?
What do their experiences tell me about their character, curiosity, and capacity to grow?
Can I imagine them thriving—and contributing—on our campus?
And the building blocks of those stories? They start now.
Sophomore & Junior Year Are Story-Shaping Years
This is when students begin to move from doing to becoming. It’s the era of experimenting, deepening interests, making bold choices, taking some hits—and coming back stronger. During these years, students begin to define what matters to them. They may not know exactly what they want to major in (and that’s fine), but they can start building the experiences that reveal character, curiosity, and leadership potential.
Here’s what that might look like:
Launching a community initiative around sustainability after noticing their school doesn't recycle
Designing a tutoring program for younger students in math—not because it looks good on a résumé, but because they remember how it felt to struggle
Mentoring new teammates in debate or robotics, learning how to lead with empathy and accountability
Working a part-time job and discovering what it means to manage time, earn respect, and show up when it’s hard
Pursuing a creative endeavor like filming a documentary, producing a podcast, or selling art online—where a quiet passion turns into public impact
Applying to a summer program or internship that stretches them beyond their comfort zone and into new environments
Volunteering consistently at a local shelter or hospital, building relationships, trust, and a clearer sense of purpose
These aren’t just activities—they’re threads in a larger personal narrative. And when woven together with intention, they form the foundation of a college application that feels authentic, focused, and unforgettable.
What Story Is Your Student Starting to Tell?
Students don’t need to have it all figured out, but they should be intentional. The goal isn’t to build a “perfect” résumé—it’s to build a life that’s full of meaning, impact, and momentum.
Encourage them to ask:
What excites me outside the classroom?
Where do I feel most energized or needed?
What’s a challenge I want to take on this year?
Final Thought:
The earlier students begin to reflect on what lights them up, the more confident and compelling their college applications will be.
→ Ready to start shaping your student’s story? Let’s talk.
