Sophomore is a term used in the United States to describe a student in the 2nd year of study (generally referring to high school or university study).^[1][2] The word is also used for the second album released by a musician or group, the second movie of a director, or the second season of a professional athlete.^[3]

Contents 1 Etymology 2 Education 2.1 High school 2.2 College 2.3 Usage in other countries 3 See also 4 References

[edit] Etymology

The etymology is from Greek, sophisma ‘clever device’ from sophizesthai ‘to devise, become wise’, and the original English spelling was "Sophumer".^[4] It was not until 1726 that the spelling was established in America as "sophomore."^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Education

[edit] High school

The 10th grade is usually the second year of a student's high school period and is referred to as sophomore year. High school sophomores are expected to begin preparing for the college application process, including reducing and focusing their extracurricular activities.^[5] Whereas it was once primarily taken by students in the 11th grade, the PSAT, a college preparatory exam taken across the U.S., is now most commonly taken during a student's sophomore year.^{[citation needed]} Students at this level are also considered to be developing greater ability for abstract thinking.^[6]

[edit] College

In the U.S., colleges generally require students to declare an academic major by the end of their sophomore year.^[7] College sophomores are advised to begin thinking about career options and to get involved in volunteering or social organizations on or near campus.^[8]

[edit] Usage in other countries

In other countries, like the Philippines, sophomore is also widely used specifically in high schools.

[edit] See also

Look up sophomore in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• Sophomore's dream
• Sophomore slump
• Second season syndrome
• Second system effect

[edit] References

v • d • e Student in the United States Freshman · Sophomore · Junior · Senior

This article relating to education is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e