Junior Info

To Do:All Year

•  Explore careers and their earning potential in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Or, for a fun interactive tool, try the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search.

• Learn about choosing a college and find a link to our free college search tool.

•  Go to college fairs and college-preparation presentations by college representatives.

Fall

•  Take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). You must take the test in 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Spring

•  Register for and take exams for college admission. The standardized tests that many colleges require are the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT. Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.

•  Start your scholarship search by using resources provided by your school. Many of these are on the school's webpage. A good place to start is by looking at scholarship bulletin's from previous years as scholarships typically do not change much from year to year. Plan ahead. Some deadlines fall as early as the summer between 11th and 12th grades, so prepare now to submit applications soon.

Summer Before 12th Grade

•  Narrow down the list of colleges you are considering attending. If you can, visit the schools that interest you. If you can't visit in person, at least reach out and talk to someone or do any online visit. 

•  Contact colleges to request information and applications for admission. Ask about financial aid, admission requirements, and deadlines.

•  Decide whether you are going to apply under a particular college’s early decision or early action program. Be sure to learn about the program deadlines and requirements.

• It's never too early to start thinking about and planning for your senior year, so feel free to visit your school's senior information page and learn all that you can! 

Career & College Exploration