Things to consider in your Junior year:
Things to consider in your Junior year:
Embedded Files
- Registration-make sure the courses you register for will fulfill college entrance requirements. For example: Algebra II is a minimum for most 4 year colleges. Or do you need a World Language credits?
- College Entrance Tests - MHS Code: 120-197. Check with your schools to see if you need a test. If you receive free/reduced lunch you can qualify for fee waivers for test fees and application fees. Check out our Testing tab to find out more information about dates and test prep resources. These tests usually should be completed spring of your Junior year.
- Build your school list. Now is the time to do your research on schools & majors.
-Go to BigFuture.Collegeboard for some tips on how to build a college list. (Check out links in BigFuture section below)
-Go to BigFuture.Collegeboard for some tips on how to build a college list. (Check out links in BigFuture section below)
-Check out our MHS College Catalog for just a small list schools that might be a good fit for you. These schools have provided contact information, links, videos, and (in some cases) special messages for MHS students and families.
-Check out our MHS College Catalog for just a small list schools that might be a good fit for you. These schools have provided contact information, links, videos, and (in some cases) special messages for MHS students and families.
-Check out our events tab and attend a College Fair or two to learn about many colleges all at once. Or go to individual school sessions to get a more in-depth view about a specific school that you are really interested in.
-Check out our events tab and attend a College Fair or two to learn about many colleges all at once. Or go to individual school sessions to get a more in-depth view about a specific school that you are really interested in.
- Start thinking about who you might ask to write you a Letter of Recommendation (LOR). Choose teachers you have connected with and who you feel know you well. A Counselor Recommender can be grade level OR college & career counselor. A example of a Community Member can be a coach, pastor, or club advisor. (Not all schools will require one so check with the school you are applying to.) More information about LORs on the College Planning tab.
- Create a Resume for requesting Letters of Recommendation (LOR). Your resume should be a list of activities, including leadership positions, list of awards/honors, any employment/volunteer positions you have held, and your academic information (GPA, Test Scores, etc.) This resume will help your recommenders write their letters with the most complete information available.
- If you are asking a counselor to do a LOR they might ask you to ask a teacher to complete a Student Evaluation Form. Your counselor will use this as reference when writing their LOR. This teacher should be someone who is NOT writing you a LOR.
- Check out scholarship opportunities such as CollegeBoard Opportunities that you can apply to in your Junior year.
- If you are considering entering the military you should be taking the ASVAB in your Junior year.
- Student Athletes should check out the Student Athlete tab for information on NCAA & NAIA.
BigFuture by The College Board
BigFuture by The College Board
Wondering how to choose the right college fit for you? Not sure what you want to major in? Not sure what you should be doing right now to prepare for your post-high school plans? Go to BigFuture.org to find your path and helpful tools to guide you in finding the right fit. Time to Make A Plan! Check out the handout links for information on navigating BigFuture. Review the College Planning Calendar to see if you are on track this Junior year and what your next steps should be. There are also scholarship opportunities open to you starting Junior year. You can find these on the CollegeBoard Opportunities Button. Check it out today!
Start earning now!
See underclassman opportunities to earn scholarships below......
START EARNING NOW!
It's not too early to start thinking about scholarships!! RaiseMe partners with over 330 colleges/universities to offer students micro-scholarships for student achievements during high school and college. RaiseMe is not just for seniors, you can start earning as early at 9th grade and earn throughout your high school years so sign up today!
Start a RaiseMe account today!
Distinguished Young Women Scholarship for Class of 2027
The DYWS Program provides scholarships and life skills workshops. Join this positive peer network and showcase your abilities and what makes you unique!
Applicants must be graduating high school in 2027. The program will be held June-August 2026. Awards will include two 4-year full tuition scholarships to HPU and over $22,000 cash awards given in various categories. Visit https://www.dywhawaii.org/ for details about participating in this program.
Deadline to apply for this scholarship program opportunity is May 2026.
2026 Horatio Alger Scholarship Program
The Horatio Alger Association National Scholarship will award over 600 scholarships of up to $25,000 each to eligible High School Juniors who intend to pursue a bachelor's degree in the United States.
To be eligible for these awards applicants must: demonstrate financial need (family income of $100k or below), be involved in co-curricular and community service activities, display integrity & perseverance in overcoming adversity, have a 2.0GPA or above, and be a United States citizen.
Applicants will need to submit test scores, two essays, high school transcripts, and financial information. You will also need to request a counselor certification form and support form. Click HERE for complete information.
Application period begins Dec.1, 2025. Application and all supporting documents must be submitted online by 12:00pm (ET) on March 1.
2025-2026 Coolidge Scholarship
2025-2026 Coolidge Scholarship application
The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that recipients may use for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. Any high school junior who plans to enroll in college in the fall of 2027 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident is eligible to apply. Winners may use the scholarship to pursue any academic major.
Selection Criteria: Academic excellence, interest in public policy and an appreciation of the values President Coolidge championed. Successful candidates will also demonstrate humility and have a record of genuine service to their communities. Additional details and application available at coolidgescholars.org.
*The application requires that candidates read President Coolidge's Auto biography and a few other readings and then write three essays. So start early. Deadline to apply: 5:00PM (PT) on Tuesday, December 12, 2025.
Honolulu Magazine College Guide -Click here for the 2024 digital issue!
FREE two-part workshop series to kickstart your writing process for the Common App Essay.
Brainstorm essay topics, analyze sample essays, and learn strategies for structuring their essays. Seats are limited so register today to reserve a seat. Participants must commit to attending both sessions.
HCC Summer CTE Academy Programs
High school sophmores, juniors and seniors in Hawaiʻi have a chance to explore career and technical (CTE) programs ranging from automotive technology to carpentry and fashion at Honolulu Community College this summer. The inaugural Summer CTE Academy is a free six-week exploratory program that offers the students a variety of hands-on experiences. Visit their site for more information and online application when available.
Report abuse