What Juniors Should be Doing Now to Prepare for College

Junior year is arguably the most important year when it comes to preparing for college. Of course, as we always say, high school is a three year audition for college, so Freshman and Sophomore year still matter! Once you get to Junior year, your list of to-dos keeps growing. Here are the top things your high school Junior should be doing:

1. Visit schools!
   
   You should be visiting colleges by the Spring of your Junior year. Students should be taking their spring breaks and even asking for excused absences to visit colleges. I highly suggest visiting while students are still on campus, be sure to make a visit when you can see the authenticity of campus life. This is something you will want to plan ahead in case tours fill up, so start planning those trips now! Your high school should be able to allow you to miss a day for a college visit. Ask the admissions office for a letter so you can get an excused absence. Be sure to plan ahead so you don’t miss any important tests or school work in your classes; you don’t want your GPA to suffer!
   

2. Write a resume
   
   Write a resume based on the different activities, awards, and jobs you have had. You may have volunteered throughout high school, you may have babysat, you may have made the Dean’s list a few times. Highlight your strengths and every experience you have had throughout high school to showcase you are a dynamic and involved student.
   

3. Complete the SAT or ACT
   
   Take the SAT or ACT by Spring of Junior year. You can take it multiple times if you would like to get the best score. You should schedule a test early on in Junior year so you can see what sections of the exam you need to study for and take it a second time for a chance to increase your scores.
   

4. Have a sample essay
   
   Look up different essay prompts based on the schools you are looking at or based on different scholarships that might be available. Write a sample essay and have your English teacher review it. You may have a class your Senior year where you do college writing; however, I would get ahead of the game and write the essay your Junior year. This gives you more time to edit and it allows you to apply to schools that open their applications as early as the summer before Senior year. You can also start applying for scholarships with this essay if it is applicable to the scholarship prompt.
   

5. Researching scholarships
   
   Speaking of scholarships, start looking up sights for outside scholarships. Ask your church, community, parent’s business, and high school Guidance Counselor if there are any scholarships that you can apply for. Keep your eye out, you may be able to apply for these before your Senior year. If not, check often so you can be prepared to apply when Senior year hits. Being prepared will allow you to not feel overwhelmed the first semester of your Senior year.
   

6. Researching admission deadlines
   
   Know the deadlines for each school you are applying for. Some schools have early admission deadlines, so research these so you don’t miss your chance to apply early. This could result in additional scholarships or early acceptance. If you do all of this your Junior year, you can make a plan for your Senior year and never miss a deadline!