Junior Year

In 11th grade, the college preparation process accelerates and you need to start paying careful attention to deadlines and application requirements. Realize that in 11th grade you don't need to choose exactly where to apply yet, but you do need to have a plan mapped out for achieving your broad educational goals.

• Take advantage of AP and other upper-level course offerings - Continue to challenge yourself with a demanding schedule. Based on teacher recommendations, aim to take AP and higher-level courses. If you're not sure what AP classes are right for you, go to collegeboard.org and click on AP Potential. Based on your PSAT scores, you are given recommendations for AP courses that would be the right fit for you.

• Keep your grades up - Grades from your junior year are very important. If you had a few marginal grades in 9th or 10th grade, improvement in 11th grade shows a college you've learned how to be a good student. A drop in your grades in 11th grade shows a move in the wrong direction, and it will raise red flags for college admissions staff.

• Retake the PSAT-You will retake the PSAT again in October. You should enter your access code again on collegeboard.org once you receive the results. Compare your scores with your results from last year. Your scores should have improved. Look over questions that you answered incorrectly and the explanations of the correct answers.

• Take the SAT in the Spring-Register for the SAT at www.collegeboard.org. You will need your username and password. If you receive free or reduced lunch, you qualify for a fee waiver. Visit your guidance counselor in order to receive the waiver. You may use a few waivers to take the SAT up to two times. When registering for the SAT, you may send your official SAT scores to four colleges. This is included in the fee. Even if you are not sure, pick four colleges that you think you will be applying to send your results. More than four score reports or reports requested after the registration period will be subject to a $12.00 fee. You are responsible for colleges receiving your SAT scores, not your counselor. Dates the SAT will be offered, as well as the deadline for registration, is available on the College Board website as well as in the counseling office and on the Colonia High School website under the counseling tab.

• Talk to your counselor-Make an appointment to see your counselor during the spring so you can discuss colleges that interest you.

• Continue to visit colleges-Spring break and summer vacation is the perfect time to visit as many colleges as possible with your family in order to find out what college or university is the best fit for you.

• Continue extracurricular activities-If possible, take a leadership role in these activities. Colleges are looking for future leaders, not passive bystanders. Clubs & Activities & Athletics 

• Continue working on community service hours - If you have not completed the recommended 40 hours yet, continue to earn hours volunteering in the community.  Community Service Log.