Junior Year in High School

Examine course load (take most difficult courses possible). Junior-year grades are extremely important, as is the rigor of your coursework. 

Review your transcript for errors. 

Register, prepare for and take the PSAT’s.

• In December when your scores come in Review your results and decide whether you'd benefit from a SAT preparation course or from using test-prep software. 

Explore colleges/trade schools. Start your list of schools to visit.

• Talk with your parents about college costs. Knowing now how much they can contribute may affect your decision about where to apply.

• Check college guides/handbooks/internet resources.

• Correspond with school(s) for materials.

• Check admission process/qualifications for each college. 

Decide on dates for taking SAT's and ACT’s.

• Check with your colleges to see if they require or prefer the ACT or the SAT. (Most will accept either.)

• We recommend taking both, since many students do better on one than on the other.

• The ACT examines "knowledge learned" in school; the SAT is an "aptitude" test. 

Have your parents attend the Financial Aid & College Planning II night at the High School in March. 

Meet with school counselor to review course selection, and your plans for after high school. 

Complete College Search in Naviance.  Identify the characteristics of a college that matter to you - size, location, cost, academic rigor, social environment, diversity, for example, and finalize your list of schools to visit. Plan to be on campus while schools are in session. 

Visit colleges, talk to admissions counselors, and go to campus open-houses.

Refine your college list (5-7 colleges), begin to secure applications. 

Take Advanced Placement tests and prepare to take June SAT or ACT tests. 

Work on college application essay over summer. 

Compile a resume of activities, honors, leadership positions, and job experience. You'll need this information for college applications and scholarship forms. 

Think of two teachers who would write you a recommendation letter. 

Complete NCAA Application if needed.