Junior Calendar

September

• Begin to think about your reasons for going to college. What are your goals? Talk to your parents, counselor, teachers and friends.

• Plan your extra-curricular projects for this year and next.

• Sign-up to take the PSAT/NMSQT

• Take a practice PSAT Test https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice

October

• Take the PSAT Test

• Register to take the SAT I Test in the Spring Semester https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register

• Register for the ACT for the Spring Semester at www.actstudent.org

• Attend college fairs and tour college campuses.

• Take the ASVAB to explore career and post-secondary options in the context of your skills and interests.

• If you are interested in the military, start exploring your options now.

November

• Focus on doing well in your classes. The Junior year is looked at very closely by colleges.

• Set up a place and files for college materials.

• Read materials to familiarize yourself with the college admissions process and language.

• Meet with your counselor to make sure that you are on track to meet your goals.

December

• Obtain your PSAT results.

• Investigate SAT and/or ACT Test prep and sign-up.

• Keep considering the best type of college environment and major for you.

• Plan holiday visits to colleges.

January

• Study for your finals, your grades are very important.

• Investigate summer programs that would look good on resumes and college applications.

February

• Meet with your counselor again to make sure that you are on track with your credits for graduation and college choice.

• Begin your college search in earnest. Identify the important factors in choosing a college for you. Two-year or four-year? Location? Cost? Public or private? Programs you need? Religious factors? Social environment? Focus on your goals, career interests and special talents. Ask your counselor for any information or materials that you may need.

• If you have not already done so, register for the SAT I for March or April. When registering, it is a good idea to request the "Student Answer Service" or SAS so that you can see where you need to improve.

• Start investigating scholarships.

• Take the ACT if registered; Register for the ACT in April if appropriate.

• Consider an SAT prep program if needed.

• Keep visiting colleges and college websites.

• Continue to investigate summer programs.

• Take an Interest Survey and a Learning Inventory Test.

March

• If registered, take the SAT Test or register for the April SAT I. When registering, it is a good idea to request the "Student Answer Service" or SAS so that you can see where you need to improve.

• Meet with the counselor to begin preparing a list of 10-20 colleges to explore. Contact colleges and get any information that you need. Read, discuss, listen, and visit colleges.

• Research interesting and challenging summer courses, internships, jobs, travel, or activities. These are important for your resume and as possible subjects for your essays. They demonstrate your maturity and seriousness in pursuing your interests. Search for summer opportunities.

April

• Register for the May SAT I or SAT II if necessary.

• Take the ACT if applicable.

• Attend spring college weekends at the colleges in which you are interested.

• Attend the NACAC College Fair. (Virtual Fairs are available)

• Continue to investigate the various college campuses and websites.

• Finalize your summer plans. Consider summer schools, summer job, internships, college tours, etc.

May

• Take SAT I or SAT II if applicable.

• Be sure to keep your grades up in all of your classes. Junior grades are very important.

• Keep your college file up to date. Request any additional information. Narrow your college list.

• Attend any local college information nights for the colleges you are interested in attending.

June

• Retake SAT I (SAT II available also) or ACT tests if you were not happy with your score.

• Study for finals.

• Finish the year with flying colors. This is your most important semester for colleges.

• Consider which teachers you would like to ask to write your letters of recommendation.

Summer

• Contact all colleges that are interesting to you and get applications, visit, take tours, have interviews.

• READ--You may be asked to discuss what you have read by a college admissions officer.

• Work on rough drafts of college essays and your résumé (include all activities, awards, and community service) or biography.

• Start the Common Application online, if applying to colleges that use it. https://www.commonapp.org/

• Do something that none of your friends are doing--something that makes you stand out in the crowd. It could be attending a college program, reading a book like War and Peace, teaching little kids to swim or play basketball, or other local opportunities.

• If you work, try to plan something that requires real thinking. Internships look great!

• Analyze and understand your SAT/ACT results. Review if necessary.

• Finalize your list of colleges BEFORE the start of school.

• Be sure to begin all "Rolling Admissions" applications by September. https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/rolling-admission

Parents

• Talk to your child about schools they are considering; help clarify goals and priorities.

• Attend college fairs and college tours with your child.