Sophomore

In the United States, a sophomore (/ˈsɒfəmɔːr/ or /ˈsɒfmɔːr/) is a student in the second year of study at high school or college.

Education in the United States

High school

The 10th grade is the second year of a student's high school period but is referred to as sophomore year. The term may come from Greek σόφισμα (sophisma), “acquired skill, clever device, method”. Or it might be a compound of the Greek words σοφός (sophos), "wise" + μωρός (moros), "foolish, dull". High school sophomores are expected to begin preparing for the college application process, including increasing and focusing their extracurricular activities. Students at this level are also considered to be developing greater ability for abstract thinking.

College/University

In the United States, college sophomores are advised to begin thinking about career options and to get involved in volunteering or social organisations on or near campus.

Usage in other countries

In some other countries, such as the Philippines and Japan, sophomore is also widely used specifically in high schools. It is also used in Saudi Arabia in American-based universities and colleges. The term sophomore is not used in UK universities, and is not in general use in the UK. Therefore, if an American student describes themselves as a sophomore on any form or biography a British English reader will not usually know what this term means.