Juniors: College Prep Spring Semester To Do List

Juniors…Here’s your college prep spring semester to do list… It’s best to start preparing for your college process early. There are so many things to consider. If you plan properly, you may even enjoy the process. Do become familiar with a personal calendar and jot these reminders down.

1. Start prepping for your standardized testing – the New SAT (1st administration, March 2016), Subject Tests (SAT IIs), ACT with Writing exams and create a calendar of testing dates. Aim to complete all of your testing by the end of your junior year, but understand that senior year offers more test date opportunities if need be.

2. Keep your grades up in all of your classes. Colleges like to see an
upward trend and junior year grades are extremely important. Your
challenging curriculum and rigor of your program is vital as well. So
challenge yourself and take some harder courses.

3. If you are taking Advanced Placement courses, learn about the AP exams
as these are administered in May by the College Board.

4. Check in with your high school Guidance Counselor regularly.
The counselor will be writing college recommendations for you and the better they know you, the stronger they can make their recommendations.

5. Continue working on your Resume/Activities List (Brag Sheet). This
is a work in progress that you will add to as time moves forward. The final
draft will be used to give to those writing your recommendations and will
assist you in completing your applications. Emphasize your strengths and show depth and continuity in your activities

6. Check at your school to see when their College Night or College Fair is
scheduled. Parents should attend as well, if possible. This is an opportunity
to meet college representatives from around the country.

7. It is not too soon to start thinking about summer programs or activities
now. Many programs you might want to enroll in begin filling up by February and require specific applications. You may also be visiting colleges, writing essays, and updating resumes in the summer as well

8. For some students, a community college course is a good time to sample
real college life by taking a course in something in which you are genuinely
interested. A student may also need to make up for a lower grade in a
specific course. Learn what colleges are in your area and what courses will
be available.

9. Begin to plan any college visits. Many colleges let you sign up for information tours online. Get on college mailing lists if you intend to apply to that college.

10. Check the affordability and cost of the colleges that interest you.

Juniors…Review this college prep spring semester to do list and maximize your opportunities for college acceptance.