The sophomore slump

Caught between under- and upper-classmanship

October 9, 2008

Articles, Nu Magazine - October 9, 2008

There are two completely different perspectives about sophomore year; one, that it is a brutal year, and two, that it is one of the best years of high school.

How can there be such polar opposite opinions?

Some say that sophomores have it all going for them; they are familiar with school, have the comfort of knowing how to navigate the system and the building, and aren’t “those freshmen” clogging up the hallways anymore.

On the other hand, sophomores tend to be ignored in the social scene.

Freshman year seemed quite manageable.

In general, we freshmen were given more leeway than students in other grades.

Teachers knew we were still in a transitional phase, and were just learning about high school. If a freshman was late for class, or forgot something, there would be fewer repercussions.

Now, as a sophomore, I don’t have this freedom.

Teachers are finicky; they covet and expect what they deem to be “A” quality work. Starting this year, teachers, parents, and kids alike worry about college.

Sophomore year is when GPA and class selection truly begin to count in the college application process.

While this year is stressful in this respect, there are not the same demands associated with sophomore year in comparison to junior year, where students’ worlds literally revolve around college coordinating.

In terms of schoolwork, though, sophomore year does not seem to be such a harsh transition from being a freshman.

High school is a social hierarchy.

The oldest “rule the school” with seniority. It seems school is separated into two parts, one for seniors and juniors, and one for sophomores and freshman. Sophomores are not “cool” seniors, “driven” juniors, or even “inexperienced” freshmen.

Sophomores are merely the ignored population of the school community.

I wonder what the rest of the year will bring.

Carly Skinder, 15, attends Millburn High School and is a member of Nu’s teen board.