Juniors
WELCOME JUNIORS!
Google Classroom Code: olwrqoq
Your junior year can be stressful, exciting, busy and fun all wrapped into one! We encourage you to take the time to explore what your life may look like after graduation. Whether this path includes college, a career or traveling around the world, now is the time to begin exploring all opportunities, research, college visits and beyond. As many of you know, Junior year is an important one. Maintaining good grades, keeping in contact with your counselor about grades and course selection are all important keys to a successful Junior year.
JUNIOR TO DO LIST
August - September
Join the Google Classroom for your specific graduation year.
Begin researching the admissions qualifications and acceptance history, including GPA and test scores, for the college(s) of your choice. Utilize CaliforniaColleges.edu and Aeries to review your academic record, determine any areas in which you may need to improve, and get suggestions on how to strengthen your candidacy for the schools you are considering.
Maintain or improve your grades. Colleges look closely at your 11th-grade year, including grades and courses taken.
Review the schedules for the SAT and SAT Subject Test, ACT with Writing, and AP exams, and create a tentative testing timeline for yourself. Determine if you should take these exams and how they could benefit you. If so, register early and prepare for the exams you decide to take. SAT and ACT is *not* required for community college. CSU and UC universities will not accept SAT/ACT scores through the spring of 2025.
Register for the PSAT/NMSQT exam offered at BHS. The 11th-grade PSAT score counts toward the National Achievement Program (and it is good practice for the SAT). By taking the PSAT/NMSQT, you may qualify to enter the competitions for prestigious scholarships and participate in recognition programs.
Participate in extracurricular activities that you truly enjoy.
October – November
Attend college and career informational workshops in the BHS College and Career Center. Stay up to date with upcoming events by following the BHS Counseling Department on Insagram and joining the College and Career Google Classroom. You can also visit colleges and universities on your own both in person or online through a virtual webinar.
December – January
If appropriate, take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring to allow you time to review your results and re-take the exams in the fall of 12th grade, if necessary. Remember, SAT and ACT are not required for community college. Check out College Testing FAQ's HERE.
Begin or update your résumé. This can help you get prepared for filling out college applications in the fall of 12th grade. Check our Resume resources on the College and Career Google Classroom and look out for announcements for Resume Workshops offered throughout the school year.
Research scholarship opportunities! Not sure where to get started? Click HERE.
View the Junior Counseling Presentation for students presented by the Counselors. This presentation will give you tips on how to best prepare for college application process in 12th grade, and discuss other post- high school options. The presentation can be found HERE.
February – March
Narrow down your college search - location, size, cost, majors offered, admissions rates, etc.
Plan to attend local college nights and college fairs in the community.
If appropriate, take the SAT and/or ACT with Writing. Remember, SAT and ACT are not required for community college.
April – May
If appropriate, take the SAT, SAT Subject tests and/or ACT with Writing. Remember, SAT and ACT are not required for community college.
June
If appropriate, take the SAT, SAT Subject tests and/or the ACT with Writing. Remember, SAT, ACT are not required for community college.
Continue to look for scholarship opportunities.
Summer before Senior Year
If you are able, go on campus tours at colleges and universities of interest.
Based on your test results, determine if it is necessary for you to re-take SAT or ACT in 12th grade. Most colleges/universities will accept an October and November test score from the fall of senior year.
Start rough drafts of personal essay and short answer portions of college applications, and update your résumé of extracurricular activities and accomplishments. College search and essay preparation resources are linked below.
If you are able, seek employment or possibly an internship.