How to Build a College List as a Sophomore
Most sophomores don’t have college on the brain just yet—but if you start early, you’ll make your junior and senior year so much easier. Building a college list as a 10th grader doesn’t mean locking yourself into one school. It means exploring options, getting organized, and setting the foundation for a smooth admissions process later.
Here’s how sophomores can begin building a strong college list.
📚 1. Start With Interests, Not Names
At this stage, you don’t need a list of specific schools—you need a sense of direction.
Think about subjects you enjoy most.
Explore careers that spark curiosity.
Take personality or career interest surveys.
This helps you identify majors or fields of study that can guide your list.
🏫 2. Explore Different Types of Colleges
Sophomore year is the perfect time to learn the landscape:
Big vs. small campuses
Public vs. private universities
In-state vs. out-of-state schools
Urban vs. rural settings
Getting familiar with these categories will help you later when you start narrowing down.
💰 3. Factor in Costs Early
College affordability matters. Begin learning about:
In-state tuition vs. out-of-state costs
South Carolina state scholarships (like LIFE, HOPE, and Palmetto Fellows)
Merit-based aid and need-based aid
Even if your family isn’t talking about exact numbers yet, knowing the basics now helps avoid surprises later.
📝 4. Keep a Running List
Start a simple document or spreadsheet to track colleges that catch your eye. Include:
School name
Location
Majors offered
Admission requirements
Notes on why it interests you
By junior year, this list will grow into your “official” college list.
👀 5. Visit Campuses Casually
You don’t need to book formal tours yet, but it’s smart to:
Walk around a nearby college campus.
Attend community events hosted at local universities.
Notice how different environments feel (big vs. small, busy vs. quiet).
Exposure now makes formal visits later much easier.
🧭 Final Thoughts from College Refocus
As a sophomore, building a college list is about exploration, not final decisions. By discovering your interests, learning about costs, and exploring different types of schools, you’re laying the groundwork for a confident and focused application process in junior and senior year.
🎯 Call to Action
Want personalized help starting your college search early?
📅 Book a College Planning Session with College Refocus and we’ll help you create a tailored sophomore-year strategy.