Junior Year

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    The junior year of high school is pivotal. There are numerous decisions that you make during your junior year that can have an impact. Junior grades are often considered the most important grades on your transcript. Think carefully about which courses you register for and consider that colleges want to see you take the most challenging courses that are appropriate for you. 
     
    For those that are thinking college may not be the option they want to pursue, that is OK!  While we prepare ALL students to be college ready, we assist students who are intending on pursuing work, military, taking a gap year, or any other unique plan you want to pursue!

    SEPTEMBER

    • Meet with your school counselor to confirm that your courses for your junior and senior years have the right balance of rigor and challenge to get into a competitive college.
    • Register for the October PSAT. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is the best way to prepare for the SAT.
    • Step up your involvement in one or two organizations. It's not the number of organizations you belong to, but that you have leadership experience that matters the most, as well as passion for the mission of the organization.
    • If you are an athlete, display leadership qualities as you participate in your sport. If you are interested in initiating relationships with colleges that offer athletic scholarships, talk to your school counselor to understand the process and opportunities.
    • Start collecting materials for your portfolio and begin identifying accomplishments and achievements you will list on your resume.
    • If you have been nominated for National Honor Society, begin to collect recommendations, community service references and hours, and prepare your application.

    OCTOBER

    • Get to know your teachers so they will eventually be able to write a thoughtful letter of recommendation on your behalf.

     

    NOVEMBER

    • Keep your focus on your grades. You'll want your grades for this entire junior year to be as strong as possible.
    • Continue to research potential colleges and careers.
    • Continue gathering materials for your resume and portfolio.

    DECEMBER

    • Once you receive your PSAT scores, make plans for how to maximize the good and plan to improve the rest
    • Stay focused on grades.

    JANUARY

    • Continue your research on potential colleges and careers.
    • Depending on your PSAT scores, consider taking an SAT prep course.  See your counselor. 
    • Consider asking to job shadow one or more people you know to learn more about those careers firsthand.
    • Schedule meeting with your school counselor to discuss possible college choices or alternative options to attending college.

    FEBRUARY

    • Begin to focus on the key 10 to 15 colleges that are a good fit (based on your academics and career choice).

    MARCH

    • Start learning about scholarships and grants. Talk to your family about finances for college.
    • Brainstorm and research rewarding summer jobs, internships, or scholarship opportunities.
    • Stay focused on grades.


    APRIL

    • Work with your school counselor to ensure a challenging senior year of courses.
    • Consider visiting some of the colleges on your list. See if you can arrange interviews while you are on campus.
    • Begin identifying teachers who may be willing to write recommendations letters for you.
    • Begin reviewing for the SAT. Visit the SAT practice section at www.collegeboard.com and take free practice questions and a free full-length practice test. 

    MAY

    • Take AP Exams if you have taken AP courses.
    • Firm up your summer plans, including visits to other colleges on your list.
    • If you're getting a summer job, see the counseling department secretary for a work permit.  Students must have a commitment from an employer for a job before a work permit can be issued.
    • Push yourself hard to end the year with solid grades.

    JUNE

    • Take the SAT or ACT.
    • Continue contemplating various careers and colleges.
    • Be sure to get the most out of your summer vacation. Some suggestions include employment, summer coursework and/or community service projects.
    • Ask for summer reading lists.
    • Visit colleges.