First year down, three more to go--maybe a little less if you're an over-achiever. Either way, sophomore year is definitely one of the most memorable years of high school. 16th birthdays, no more freshman jokes, and possibly your license! These tips will prepare you for every step of the way. 

1. Establish yourself academically

If I could emphasize this 100 times, I would do it 110! Sophomore year is the perfect redemption from any grades that were sub-par freshman year. These grades will have a lasting impact on your GPA and affect your college and scholarship options. You may not be a straight A student, but that does not mean you cannot become one. Set your academic bar high and settle for nothing less than your best effort. This may not mean straight A's for every student, but rather better than where you started. 

2. Join another club or organization

Did you join any clubs or organizations freshman year? If not, this is the time to become active. If you are already active, find another organization to join. Though you may feel like you found your niche, try to find something outside of your comfort zone. You may have been a band-geek for years and want to pick up a sport or you could be a star-athlete that has never made time to join academic clubs. Also, try not to limit yourself to school-specific organizations only. Explore your community for clubs and volunteer opportunities that you are passionate about. The possibilities are endless.

3. Maintain your relationships with previous teachers

Who was your favorite teacher last year? It may not even be an instructor whose class you took, but one who impacted your academic experience. Do not forget about them as you matriculate through high school. They can serve as a valuable resource as well as provide letters of recommendation in the coming semesters. Shoot them an e-mail or stop by their class at least twice during the school year. A simple conversation can leave a lasting impression. 

4. Find a freshman to mentor

Remember every thing you wish you knew before you started high school? This is the time to share the wealth. Take your personal experiences and use them to guide fresh meat through the jungles of what locals call "high school". Your advice will definitely help a student in need. Try to find a freshman friend and offer to mentor them through their first year. Think back to the person you needed during your freshman year. Then, be that person for someone else.

5. Practice time-management

Your schedule should look a little more packed than your first year of high school. Time-management is an important lifetime skill that you may have already started building. This is the best time to create a solid foundation for time-management. This skill will become more important and necessary in your life as you mature, so get a competitive advantage with the kick start of your time-management skill.

This short list is not only beneficial to sophomores, but to any student whether in middle school, high school, or college. Share this tip list with any student to help them prepare for their best academic year yet!