Junior Information

Junior year marks a turning point. This is because for most students and families, it’s when college planning activities kick into high gear.  Here are some tips to stay on track for college. 

Junior Year Timeline 

September

• Begin to think about what you want in a college: size, location, athletics

• Start your college research on Naviance and utilize the SuperMatch College Search.

• Create a goal sheet and action plan for junior year grades.

• Look into school organizations and clubs….GET INVOLVED!!

October

• Take the PSAT

• Preview a few college applications.

• Take a class or get a book on writing essays. Your will need to sharpen your skills in this area for college testing and scholarship applications.

• Continue to look for and research colleges using Naviance, weighing each college’s pros and cons.  Add these schools to your "Colleges I'm Thinking About". 

November

• Reassess grade goals and action plan. Ask: Where do I need to spend more time studying? Is there an area where I can use my time more wisely?

• Look for more community service, as there are more opportunities during the holidays.

• Continue to look for and research colleges using Naviance, weighing each college’s pros and cons.  Add these schools to your "Colleges I'm Thinking About".

• Continue to work on testing skills by using practice SAT/ACT tests and writing essays. 

December

• Take a look at the dates for the spring SAT and ACT.

• Begin to take a serious look at career choices. Remember that there will be many choices within a field of study or major at college, so keep it broad.

• Register with CFNC and check out their Career Interest Inventory.

• Continue to work on goal sheet and action plan for junior year grades.

• Continue to look for and research colleges using Naviance, weighing each college’s pros and cons.  Add these schools to your "Colleges I'm Thinking About".

• Continue to work on testing skills by using practice SAT/ACT tests and writing essays.

• Start looking at summer programs/opportunities - Summer Ventures, College programs, Internships, etc. 

January

• Begin thinking of a summer job.

• Create a resume or brag sheet: note everything you have accomplished in the first half of junior year - academic and personal record.

• Continue to work on goal sheet and action plan for junior year grades.

• Continue to look for and research colleges using Naviance, weighing each college’s pros and cons.  Add these schools to your "Colleges I'm Thinking About".

• Continue to work on testing skills by using practice SAT/ACT tests and writing essays.

• Continue to look at summer programs/opportunities - Summer Ventures, College Programs, Internships, etc.

February

• Narrow down college choices to 5 - 10

• Continue to work on your goal sheet and action plan for junior year grades.

• Continue to be on the lookout for other colleges that may have slipped under the radar. If you find a college that is better than what is on the list, exchange them and add them to your "Colleges I'm Thinking About" in Naviance.

• Continue to work on testing skills by using practice SAT/ACT tests and writing essays.

• Continue to look at summer programs/opportunities - Summer Ventures, College Programs, Internships, etc.

• Schedule an SAT preparation class, if needed.

• When registering for your senior classes, continue to challenge yourself.  Don’t look for an easy senior year. College admission offices look to see that you are serious about preparing yourself for college.

• Start to work on your resume in Naviance.  A completed resume will be very helpful to those who will be writing your Letters of Recommendation!  

March

• Begin applying for summer jobs.

• Begin researching financial aid including loans, scholarships and grants.

• Continue to be on the lookout for other colleges that may have slipped under the radar. If you find a college that is better than what is on the list, exchange them and add them to your "Colleges I'm Thinking About" in Naviance.

• Continue to work on testing skills by using practice SAT/ACT tests and writing essays.

• Attend National College Fairs

• Continue to work on your resume in Naviance. 

April

• Register for the SAT and/or ACT test.

• Look for community service opportunities for the summer.

• Look for a summer job that is related to your long term career goals.

• Continue to work on goal sheet and action plan for junior year grades.

• Continue to be on the lookout for other colleges that may have slipped under the radar. If you find a college that is better than what is on the list, exchange them and add them to your "Colleges I'm Thinking About" in Naviance.

• Continue to work on testing skills by using practice SAT/ACT tests and writing essays.

• Check admission requirements against your own course of studies.

• Visit colleges and take tours during Spring break.

• Talk to current students and/or alumni from the colleges on your list to get an idea of campus life at those schools.

• Continue to work on your resume in Naviance. 

May

• Take SAT, ACT and/or Subject area test.

• Visit one or two colleges that are high on list of choices.

• After the college visits, narrow down your college choices by looking at the atmosphere.  Did the visits give you any idea if you preferred a small college over a big one?  Do you prefer a liberal arts college?

• Decide if you will retake the SAT/ACT test in the fall. If so, continue to work on testing skills by using practice SAT/ACT tests and writing essays

• Continue to be on the lookout for other colleges that may have slipped under the radar. If you find a college that is better than what is on the list, exchange them and add them to your "Colleges I'm Thinking About" in Naviance.

• Continue to work on your resume in Naviance. 

Summer Before Senior Year

• Narrow college choices to 5 -6.  Include reach, safe and good fit schools.

• Purchase a good day planner.  You must be organized and keep up with deadlines.

• Begin to search for scholarships online once summer arrives.  Come to school in August, recharged and ready to work hard.  It is an exciting time, but will require a great deal of time and effort.

• Look at college applications to become familiar with essays and information requested.

• Once you've decided where you want to apply, move these schools to the "Colleges I'm Applying To" in Naviance.

• Complete your resume in Naviance so that it is ready for your counselor and teachers!