JUNIORS

If I'm college bound, what do I need to do this year to prepare?

This is a list of items that college-bound juniors can use to help them prepare for post-secondary education.

1. Take courses that will prepare you for college but also, allow you to explore career paths!

2. Register and take the PSAT/NMSTQ. This the National Merit qualifying exam but also it helps students prepare for future standardized exams by helping identify academic strengths and weaknesses.

3. Get involved! Scholarships and colleges want students who are well-rounded. Find at least one school based activity to participate in.

4. Keep your grades up!

5. Meet with your school counselor to go through your graduation checklist to make sure you're on track to graduate.

6. Take a college admissions test. In the Midwest, the ACT is most common but the SAT will work as well. Many schools have moved to "test optional" but we still recommend you take it.

7. Write an academic resume. Document school, religious and civic activities you've participated in, any accomplishments or awards you've received, work experience, volunteer hours, etc...

8. Make a list of teachers, counselors, employers and other adults who you might ask to write a letter of recommendation your senior year for college applications and scholarships.

9. COLLEGE VISITS! Your junior year is a great time to research colleges. Start with making a list of colleges that you're interested in. Check out their websites and familiarize yourself with their admissions requirements. In the Spring and Summer, schedule visits (in-person or virtual) to learn more about the school.

EARLY DECISION vs. EARLY ACTION

Early Action is when a student can "apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution's regular response date." Some schools have restrictive early action meaning that you're only applying to one school via early action. Early action plans are non-binding.

Early Decision is when a student will make a "commitment to a first-choice institution, where if admitted they will definitely enroll and withdraw all other applications. Early decision plans are binding and are accepting their financial aid package before you see it.

Source: US News

RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS

South Dakota has tuition reciprocity agreements with other states to offer lower tuition to South Dakota residents. Please see links for more information.

Minnesota

Western Undergraduate Exchange - Degrees/Programs will vary from school to school, state by state. Members include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.