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Fall
Fall
☑ TAKE THE PSAT/NMSQT
The fall PSAT is a good indicator of how you might do on the SAT. Your score can also qualify you for scholarships and other valuable awards in college admissions.
Some examples of study materials:
Free Summer SAT Camp (available to both Bport and Bwood students)
Email rwuensche@brazosportisd.net with any questions.
BlueBook Practice Tests (Can be accessed via Chromebook apps)
College Board Educator Question Bank (Downloadable sample SAT Questions organized by subject)
After taking the test, think about whether you like the format or not. Will you go on to take the SAT or the ACT? Think about your strengths and weaknesses, and try taking a practice test for both.
☑ MAINTAIN GRADES
Your junior year grades are your last chance to improve before college applications. Make sure that you are maintaining or improving your grades to stay competitive for college admissions.
Note: You might be asked to report your class rank on your college applications. You can obtain your rank from your campus registrar officer.
☑ CONTINUE YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN EXTRACURRICULARS
When applying to colleges, you will be asked to state which years you participated in each extracurricular activity you listed. Colleges want to see that you have been an active participant for an extended period of time. Continue to be involved in clubs throughout your junior year!
Tip: When listing your extracurricular activities, be prepared to describe your role in each activity. This is the space to highlight any leadership positions you have held, such as club president, treasurer, secretary, manager, etc.
☑ START YOUR COLLEGE LIST
Start thinking about what kinds of colleges you would be interested in. Some helpful things to consider are in-state vs. out-of-state, public vs. private, urban or rural, small or big class sizes, fraternity/sorority life, preferred weather, majors available, career opportunities, cost, etc.
When crafting your college list, be sure to include at least 1 school in each of these categories:
Safeties (Schools where your test scores and GPA exceed the school's average)
Targets (Schools where your test scores and GPA fall within the school’s average)
Reaches (Schools where your test scores and GPA are below the school’s average)
A diverse college list across these three categories helps cast a wide net and significantly enhances your chances of being accepted to at least one college.
You can take one day off from school during your junior year to visit a college. Please check with your attendance office to find out how to schedule this.
Spring
Spring
☑ START PREPARING FOR SAT/ACT
Now is the time to begin preparing for the test of your choice. Determine if you will study with a tutor or by yourself, and research resources that fit in your budget to help you prepare for the exam.
To decide on a target score, research the average scores from the schools you are considering.
The Common Data Set can help you find these averages. Try googling: “*College Name* CDS”
☑ FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS
The FAFSA and many other financial aid services typically open in the fall of your senior year, but now is a good time to start thinking about how exactly you will pay for college. Determine if you will be filling out the FAFSA or TASFA, and be sure you understand which documents are needed to complete them.
Remember, each school has its own financial aid deadline. Be prepared and stay up to date.
Double-check if any extra documents are needed, such as the CSS Profile; each school may vary slightly, so be sure you understand their individual requirements.
☑ REGISTER FOR AND TAKE THE SAT/ACT
You can take the SAT/ACT as many times as you’d like, but it is recommended that you have at least 1 score by the end of your senior year.
Check with your counselor if you believe you are eligible for a fee waiver; this can help offset the cost of registering for exams.
After taking the test, determine if you are happy with your score or if you would like to test again.
☑ CHOOSE TEACHERS TO WRITE YOUR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
If colleges on your list require or accept letters of recommendation, decide who you would like to write on your behalf, and contact them as soon as possible. Choose someone who knows you well and can represent you positively. The earlier you reach out, the better, as this gives your teacher plenty of time to prepare and write about you in the best possible light.
Make it a priority to verify whether the colleges on your list have specific teacher requirements for recommendations.
Do they only accept letters from core teachers? Do they require a recommendation from your counselor?
Tip: Consider choosing teachers who align with the major you will be applying to.
EX: Your chemistry teacher would be a great choice if you are applying for Chemistry.
This is not a requirement, only a suggestion. If you don’t feel they can accurately represent you, choose someone else.
When asking for a letter of recommendation, send in a brag sheet to help your recommender accurately write about you. A brag sheet includes your achievements, experiences, interests, and other personal information your teacher might not know about you.
Summer
Summer
☑ FINALIZE YOUR COLLEGE LIST
Narrow down your list to the colleges you will be applying to. Remember to think about in-state vs. out of state, public vs. private, urban or rural, small or big class sizes, fraternity/sorority life, preferred weather, what majors are available, career opportunities, cost, etc…
When crafting your college list, be sure to include at least 1 school in each of these categories:
Safeties (Schools where your test scores and GPA exceed the school's average)
Targets (Schools where your test scores and GPA fall within the school’s average)
Reaches (Schools where your test scores and GPA are below the school’s average)
A diverse college list across these three categories helps cast a wide net and significantly enhances your chances of being accepted to at least one college.
Once you’ve finalized your college list, research and keep track of the college-specific application requirements for each school you plan to apply to.
Some schools might require:
Additional supplemental essays
An interview
Portfolios or auditions (for certain majors)
Resumes
Check the admissions page of each school on your list to see what exactly is required.
Now is also a good time to start tracking application fees. Make sure you know how much each application costs. Contact your counselor if you believe you are eligible for a fee waiver.
☑ BRAINSTORM PERSONAL STATEMENT IDEAS
The personal statement is a significant component of your application. Even if a school doesn’t require it, it is highly recommended that you include one. The personal statement typically consists of one essay ranging from 400 to 650 words. It’s written in narrative format, as this is your opportunity to showcase who you are to admissions counselors. You don’t need to worry about writing a final draft at this stage, but starting brainstorming early is beneficial to avoid last-minute rushing. Refer to the Common App Prompts or Apply Texas Prompts, depending on which site you will be using to complete your applications, and start considering possible topics you might want to write about.
For inspiration, check out 27 Outstanding College Essay Examples From Top Universities 2025/2026.
☑ REGISTER AND STUDY FOR SAT/ACT RETAKES (IF APPLICABLE)
If you plan to retake the SAT or ACT, using the summer to study is an excellent idea. Be sure to check the test dates and register early to secure your spot and avoid any late fees.
☑ AUGUST 1ST APPLY TEXAS AND COMMON APP OPEN
August 1st is when Apply Texas and Common App open, and you may begin applying to colleges and universities. Create your account (using a personal, non-BISD-affiliated email) and begin filling out your basic information.
You will use Apply Texas if you plan to apply to in-state schools only.
Common App is used by out-of-state colleges. Use if you are applying to a mix of in-state and out-of-state schools.
Backup Plan
Backup Plan
If you've just begun thinking about applying to colleges, no worries!
The most important thing to do now is to create a college list. Think realistically in terms of admissions odds and budget. Use search tools like Niche to help find colleges that you have a good chance of getting into.
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