Sophomore Year

How do I persist?

After a year of adventures and exploring, Sophomores have learned a lot about themselves. Decisions and dreams that they started school with might not fit as well as they thought. The sophomore year is a chance to reassess goals and make adjustments to ensure a successful college experience.

Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

Joshua J. Marine

Academic Persistence

Now that you have a few semesters behind you, you have a better idea of what is required to be successful in school. For some students this means making adjustments to your major, or adding a minor that allows you to pursue new interests. Looking ahead can seem a bit daunting sometimes, but it's also exciting to start taking classes that are more focused on your interests.

Academic Benchmarks

  1. Revisit your Degree Works plan, make necessary adjustments, and share it with your advisor during your fall appointment (before November 1st).
  2. Ask faculty and your advisor about how to get involved in research and/or applied work within your major.
  3. Actively seek out a faculty mentor.

Common Struggles

  • Academic challenges
  • Wanting to transfer
  • Doubting abilities
  • Changing majors

Resources

Resources at USU Eastern in Price

Financial Persistence

You've officially survived your first year of college! You may already be a pro at living within your means, but here are some extra tips to help you continue to be a financial phenom, or to find your footing if you're still finding your balance.

Financial Benchmarks

  1. Use your budget skills to build a long-term plan to pay for school and living expenses.
  2.  Check with your department for major-specific scholarship opportunities.

Common Struggles

  • Losing financial aid eligibility due to academic challenges
  • Balancing classes, work, and fun
  • Managing non-resident tuition

Resources

Resources at USU Eastern in Price

Social Persistence

Now that you have a better idea of how much time and effort classes will take if you want to be successful, you may find that you have more time to reach out socially. While friendships and dating are an important part of college life, this is a great time to get involved with clubs and organizations on campus where you can get to know others with similar interests and strengths.

Social Benchmarks

  1. Get involved with service learning.
  2. Join a club that is related to your major.
  3. Join or create a club that is recreational.

Common Struggles

  • Family problems
  • Relationship issues
  • Isolation/loneliness
  • Roommates

Resources

Resources at USU Eastern in Price

Personal Persistence

Balance continues to be essential throughout college. With more difficult classes, it can be challenging to find time to exercise and participate in recreational opportunities. Financial struggles can make eating healthy foods a challenge.

Physical and Emotional Benchmarks

  1. Identify personal strengths and unique qualities
  2. Emotional expression - appropriate disclosure

Common Struggles

  • Transitions such as missions, military, and relationships
  • Dealing with loss
  • Deciding on a major
  • Deciding on a life direction
  • Deciding on commitments

Resources

Resources at USU Eastern in Price

For more information contact the Office of Academic Belonging and Learning Excellence at 435-797-5555 or TSC 246.

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Dropping Out

Being Resilient

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