Junior Year Timeline

Fall

    • Visit as many colleges as possible. Check websites for information about tours and open house programs. 
    • Prepare for the SAT and/or ACT by taking practice tests.
    • Take the most challenging courses you can. Taking these courses shows that you are ready for a competitive college environment. Be sure to meet with your School Counselor to review the courses you've taken and determine what you still need to take. 
    • Maintain your grades. Grades earned in your junior year will be evaluated by college admission officials when you apply.
    • Obtain schedules for the SAT and/or ACT. Determine which test you will take and when. You can take the test more than once if you would like to aim for a higher score the second time around. 
    • Inquire about national competitions and scholarships.
    • Attend college fairs whenever possible to help you get an idea of what options are out there for you.
    • Start early! Learn about Financial Aid and how to apply. This way, when the time comes to register - you are prepared!
    • Talk to your School Counselor if you are interested in the Military to find out about requirements and timelines. 

Winter

    • Generate a list of about 10 colleges and contact them for information. Research costs and upcoming campus visit programs. 
    • Stay organized! Make folders for your college information, along with deadlines and important dates. 
    • Continue to research scholarships.
    • Create a first draft of your resume to maintain a record of college courses taken, college programs in which you've participated, awards you've won, projects you've completed, extracurricular achievments, and volunteer work.
    • Review your senior year class schedule with your School Counselor to ensure it fulfills graduation requirements. 
    • If you are intersted in participating in college athletics, start the certification process by looking at the NCAA requirements. Talk with your School Counselor or Athletic Director if you have questions. 

Spring

    • Listen to annoucements, check Google Classroom, and frequently check your school email account for any information pertaining to the college planning process, scholarships, and deadlines.
    • Continue to build a resume by keeping track of activities, volunteer/service hours, and any paid work you have particpated in. Free resume templates can be found online. Have this information handy and in one place as it will make it easier to apply for college and scholarships. You will be required to provide this information when requesting letters of recommendation.
    • When possible, letters of recommendation should be requested in person. You can get a "Letter of Recommendation Request Form" in the Counseling Center. 
    • Continue to research and visit potential colleges. 
    • If you are interested in playing Division I or Division II sports in colllege, register with the NCAA Eligibilty Center. 
    • If you are interested in a trade, it is important to review your options. Stop in and visit the College & Career Center for more information. 
    • If you are interested in the military, meet with recruiters and discuss next steps with a parent/guardian. Military contact information can be found here.

Summer

    • Continue to build your resume. 
    • Continue to visit prospective colleges and/or attend online information sessions for colleges, trade schools, the military or employment. 
    • Narrow down college choices. Move colleges from the "Colleges I'm Thinking About" list to the "Colleges I'm Applying To" list in Naviance. 
    • Set up admissions interviews, if applicable, or contact representatives by phone or online. 
    • Preview the applications for the schools to which you are applying and begin completing the Common App (after August 1st) and individual school applications. 
    • Register for the SAT and ACT if you plan to take them in the fall. Please note that fee waiver codes are available through the Counseling Center for any student receiving free/reduced school lunch. See Mrs. Ottman in the Counseling Center for more information.