Freshmen, Sophomore, Um..What? / myLot

United Kingdom

February 11, 2016 6:55pm CST

I was reading a review online the other day that mentioned the word "sophomore" and I wondered what that particular word might mean. When consulting Google I was a little surprised to find other words in Latin that are used to describe first year and second year students who study at colleges or universities. It got me thinking about American education in general and the fact that mostly in the UK we simply don't brand the students anything other than "1st" or "2nd year" students. Why do America use these terms to describe 1st and 2nd year students? I am quite puzzled, but I am sure you will tell me the answer. (c)Nar2/crystalvisions 2016

3 people like this

2 responses

sishy7

@sishy7 (27166)

• Australia

12 Feb 16

The terms are used even in high school - 9th graders are Freshmen, 10th are Sophomores, 11th are Juniors, and Seniors in high school are 12th graders.

1 person likes this

Arthur Chappell

@arthurchappell (44941)

• Preston, England

26 Feb 16

we were only ever 1st, 2nd or 3rd years but I rather like the American words - I am delighted that having graduated my old university lists me as one of their Alumni, as it sounds so grand