College Planning for Juniors
| Fall |
- Take the most challenging academic schedule that you can. It shows admissions offices that you are ready for a competitive college environment.
- Research prospective colleges. Sign up for FastWeb’s College Search to help find the right school for you.
- Attend college fairs and speak to on-campus college representatives.
- Prepare for and take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. This is offered at the school and all students in grades 9th, 10th, and 11th will take this preparation exam at no cost.
- Begin studying for the SAT and/or ACT.
- Register with FastWeb.com to find scholarship money.
- Take leadership roles in clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities.
- Begin to consider which teachers, advisors, or employers you might ask for college recommendations from.
- Continue to explore financial aid options with your parents/guardians.
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| February – March |
- Apply for scholarships.
- Visit prospective colleges during Saturday open house days or set up individual tours with the admissions offices.
- SAT is offered on several different dates. Visit sat.collegeboard.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
- ACT is offered on several different dates. Visit actstudent.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
- Continue discussing college costs and options with your parents/guardians.
- Make an appointment with your school counselor, Ms. Snyder, to discuss your college options.
- Put together your resume, including academic record, extracurricular activities, honors, and volunteer work.
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| April – May |
- Check academic requirements for your prospective colleges. Summer is the best time to fill any gaps.
- SAT is offered on several different dates. Visit sat.collegeboard.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
- ACT is offered on several different dates. Visit actstudent.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
- Apply for summer jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.
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| June – August |
- Visit prospective colleges. Be sure to talk with current students about the school.
- Athletes should register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse at eligibilitycenter.org at the end of the academic year, if they have not done so already.
- SAT is offered on several different dates. Visit sat.collegeboard.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
- ACT is offered on several different dates. Visit actstudent.org to get test dates and registration deadlines.
- Request applications and brochures from your top colleges.
- Get started on college application essays by writing sample drafts.
- Prepare to take the SAT or ACT again, if needed.
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