11th Grade
Welcome Juniors!
Google Classroom Code: czgb5je
Your junior year can be stressful, exciting, busy and fun all wrapped into one! We encourage you to take the time to explore what your life may look like after graduation. Whether this path includes college, a career or traveling around the world, now is the time to begin exploring all opportunities, research, college visits and beyond. As many of you know, Junior year is an important one. Maintaining good grades, keeping in contact with your counselor about grades and course selection are all important keys to a successful Junior year.
JUNIOR TO DO LIST
August - September
Join the Counseling Google Classroom for your specific graduation year.
Create an "I'm thinking about" college list. Begin researching the admissions qualifications and acceptance history, including GPA and test scores, for the college(s) of your choice. Review your academic record, determine any areas in which you may need to improve, and get suggestions on how to strengthen your candidacy for the schools you are considering.
Maintain or improve your grades. Colleges look closely at your 11th-grade year, including grades and courses taken.
Review the schedules for the SAT and SAT Subject Test, ACT with Writing, and AP exams, and create a tentative testing timeline for yourself. Determine if you should take these exams and how they could benefit you. If so, register early and prepare for the exams you decide to take. SAT and ACT is *not* required for community college. CSU and UC universities will not accept SAT/ACT scores through the spring of 2025.
Register for the PSAT/NMSQT exam offered in October. The 11th-grade PSAT score counts toward the National Achievement Program (and it is good practice for the SAT). By taking the PSAT/NMSQT, you may qualify to enter the competitions for prestigious scholarships and participate in recognition programs.
Participate in extracurricular activities that you truly enjoy. This is important not only because discovering your passions is a significant part of life, but also because college admission representatives seek candidates that have direction or an identified passion, and use their time in a valuable manner.
October – November
Attend college visits with the university's local admissions representative, visit the college through a virtual webinar or in person!
Attend the SDUHSD Fall College Application Virtual Workshop Series to get information directly from college admission counselors about the college application process!
December – January
Scores from the October administration of the PSAT will be returned. Review your results in order to identify your strengths and to determine the areas that you may need to improve. Depending on the results, you may want to consider further preparation before taking the SAT. College Board offers free test preparation on their website.
If appropriate, take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring to allow you time to review your results and re-take the exams in the fall of 12th grade, if necessary. Remember, SAT and ACT are not required for community college. Check out College Testing FAQ's HERE.
Begin or update your résumé. This can help you get prepared for filling out college applications in the fall of 12th grade.
Research scholarship opportunities!
View the Junior Counseling Presentation for students presented by the Counselors. This presentation will give you tips on how to best prepare for college application process in 12th grade, and discuss other post- high school options. The presentation can be found HERE. A similar presentation will be held for parents, too!
February – March
Check out the SDUHSD College and Career Planning page to narrow down your college search - location, size, cost, majors offered, admissions rates, etc.
Use the SDUHSD Post-Secondary Planner to plan to attend local college nights and college fairs in the community.
If appropriate, take the SAT and/or ACT with Writing. Remember, SAT and ACT are not required for community college.
April – May
Take the Advanced Placement exams if you have taken any AP classes. You will need to register and pay for these exams.
Consider taking a summer course at a local community college or at a college or university that offers a program that genuinely interests you. This may require some research. Summer course catalogs can be found online on the individual community colleges websites.
If appropriate, take the SAT, SAT Subject tests and/or ACT with Writing. Remember, SAT and ACT are not required for community college.
Attend SDUHSD Annual College & Career Night held at Mira Costa College San Elijo Campus!
June
If appropriate, take the SAT, SAT Subject tests and/or the ACT with Writing. Remember, SAT, ACT are not required for community college.
Continue to look for scholarship opportunities.
Summer before Senior Year
Check out our Summer Checklist!
If you are able, go on campus tours at colleges and universities of interest.
Based on your test results, determine if it is necessary for you to re-take SAT or ACT in 12th grade. Most colleges/universities will accept an October and November test score from the fall of senior year.
Start rough drafts of personal essay and short answer portions of college applications, and update your résumé of extracurricular activities and accomplishments.
If you are able, seek employment or possibly an internship.