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PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR JUNIOR YEAR

The college application process begins seriously in the junior year when students need to focus on several major areas:

  • This may be the last year to fill in any gaps you have in your academic and activity records

  • Since junior year is the last complete school year reported on the transcript sent with the application, junior grades are critical. This is the year to STUDY.

  • This is the time to think seriously about college: what you want from college and what colleges are going to ask from you.

  • This is also the year to RESEARCH.

  • This is your last chance to consider academy classes.

  • Summertime offers a great opportunity to explore career pathways.

  • Strongly consider using service work (volunteer) to fully explore your interests.

 

The following is a suggested plan for the junior year:

  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October.

  • Attend college fair/college night programs in the fall and spring.

  • Meet with college representatives

  • Begin exploring scholarships options and apply to those designated for juniors.

  • Attend a financial aid workshop with your parents to gain understanding of the financial aid process.

  • Begin planning a mentorship or internship experience for senior year.

  • Plan senior course selection with your parents and counselor.

  • Develop a list of colleges to research and begin that research.

  • Visit colleges to determine which ones work best for you.

  • Begin the application process for service academies and ROTC scholarships.

  • Take AP exams, if applicable.

  • Determine the standardized testing requirements for colleges on your list. Take the appropriate tests (SAT I, ACT, SAT II) during the spring of junior year.