junior College Checklist

The second video on this website titled "College Admissions from A to Z: Ace Your Application Process (And Stay Stress Free)" is a great video for students to watch (about 1 hour, but very worth it)

Thinking about college? Follow these steps.

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER

• • Talk with your counselor about the year ahead. Confirm that your courses will put you on the right track for college admission.

  • Ask about test dates for the PSAT, ACT, and SAT. You’ll need to register up to six weeks ahead of time.

  • Start developing a résumé—a record of your accomplishments, activities, and work experience. This will be an important part of your college application.

  • If you haven’t participated in many activities outside of class, now is the time to sign up. Consider clubs at school, team sports, leadership roles, or involvement in a religious or civic community group.

  • Take the PSAT. Taking the test as a junior will qualify you for some scholarship consideration and identify you to colleges as a potential applicant.

  • Begin to prepare for the ACT or SAT. Plan to take at least one of these tests in the spring. Ask your counselor if you qualify for a fee waiver.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY

• • Work with your counselor to set your senior schedule. Enroll in the most challenging courses.

  • Register for a spring SAT and/or ACT. Ask your counselor whether you should also take an SAT Subject Test.

  • Explore summer opportunities on college campuses—a great way to find out what college life is all about.

MARCH-MAY

• • Start researching colleges and universities. Go to college fairs and open houses. Learn as much as you can about colleges online.

  • Begin planning college visits. Try to visit colleges near you over spring break. Include a large, medium size, and small campus.

  • Develop a preliminary list of colleges that interest you. Go online to request additional information.

  • Take a look at some college applications. Make note of all the pieces of information you will need to compile. Make a list of teachers, counselors, employers, and other adults who could write letters of recommendation.

  • Consider lining up a summer job or internship.

JUNE-AUGUST

• • Continue​ investigating colleges.

  • Schedule campus visits at the schools that you interest you.

  • Begin thinking about your applications. Generally, colleges will have their applications online by the beginning of August.

  • Start brainstorming your college essay.