Information for Juniors

Junior Calendar

September

  • Discuss college with your family: Talk about schools, finances, majors, your future.
  • Review your courses with your school guidance counselor.
  • List questions to ask school reps at college fairs.
  • Take the PSAT in October.
  • Get and stay organized: Create files for applications and correspondence. Set up a calendar to track dates and deadlines.
  • Get a professional-sounding email address: Use something based on your name or hobby; nothing cutesy or eyebrow-raising.

October and November

  • Take the PSAT.
  • Attend college fairs and financial aid nights.
  • Start searching for scholarships and ways to pay for your education.
  • Review different kinds of schools and think about what's important to you.
  • Learn the basics about federal student loans and private student loans.
  • Plan and make college visits.

December and January

  • Review your PSAT results with your counselor
  • Talk with your college friends about their schools.
  • Plan for the SAT and ACT (at least once).
  • Attend college fairs and financial aid nights.
  • Explore prep courses for the SAT and ACT.

February

  • Search for scholarship opportunities through the guidance newsletter.
  • Register and study for the SAT and/or ACT.
  • Select senior year classes. Check with your counselor to ensure your courses meet college requirements.

March

  • Plan campus visits.
  • Generate a list of at least 10 institutions you could attend.
  • Keep up college discussions with your family and counselors.
  • Estimate how much various colleges will cost.
  • Attend the "Planning for College" information night: TBD at the high school.

April and May

  • Start visiting colleges.
  • Take the SAT and/or ACT, if necessary.
  • Take Advanced Placement (AP) tests, if applicable.
  • Line up a summer job to earn extra money.
  • Meet with your high school counselor if you are considering a military academy or an ROTC scholarship.

June – Summer

  • Study for your final exams!
  • Improve your reading and vocabulary skills.
  • Continue searching for scholarships and ways to pay.
  • Combine vacation plans with campus visits.
  • Start working on your college application essays.
  • Talk to people in interesting careers. See how they got there and what they do every day. Ask yourself if you would like to follow the same path.
  • Decide who you will ask to write letters of recommendation.
  • Talk with college friends home on break about their schools.

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