College Check List: Juniors
Junior year is a critical year for grades, activities, college searching, and testing. By the end of the year, Juniors should have a pretty good idea of the colleges they are interested in, have visited schools and have taken their first SAT and/or ACT tests.
August (Right from the Start)
- Continue to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs or other organizations during the year.
- If you don’t already have a social security card for work or college, apply for one now.
September
- Improve study skills; identify school staff to assist you.
- Begin/continue researching colleges. Develop a list of colleges to contact or visit. If looking at colleges in colder climates consider a winter or early spring visit.
- Begin keeping notes about events or experiences that have an impact on you. These can become the basis for your college personal statements.
- Check the college representative visit schedule in Family Connection, and local open house schedule. Sign up for those that interest you.
October
- Explore your interests and skills. Go online to research future careers.
- You will take the PSAT at MC. No registration required. Check "yes" for Student Search Service on the test.
November
- Develop an initial list of “Colleges I’m considering” and add to Family Connection.
- Complete your Game Plan and Personality Survey in Family Connection.
- Begin considering which teachers you might ask for recommendations next fall.
- If you are interested in attending a Service (Armed Forces) Academy, contact a representative and plan to explore the Academy’s summer programs.
December
- Students and parents attend College Night for Juniors.
- Review PSAT scores.
- Parents attend Financial Aid Night.
- Consider visiting colleges over winter break.
January
- Take Mock SAT and ACT Exams, usually given at MC
- Map out your strategy for taking the SAT or ACT and the subject tests. Things to consider are AP exam dates, finals, Easter break, proms, spring plays, music concerts and sports playoffs.
- Research options and decide whether to sign up for SAT and/or ACT test preparation.
- If registered for the January SAT, take SAT. Register for the March SAT if you plan to take the March SAT.
- Discuss PSAT scores with your counselor and prepare for SAT/ACT.
February
- Take ACT if enrolled in February test. Register for the April ACT if planning to take ACT in April.
- Update Family Connection resume and colleges sections.
- Research scholarships available for Juniors.
- You will start receiving mailings from colleges. Create a file system for information you receive from colleges that interest you and for copies of everything you will submit to your colleges.
March
- Begin planning your schedule for next year. Meet with counselor, talk to other students and teachers.
- Decide which SAT subject tests to take. Research which tests are required for your intended major.
- Register for May SAT or Subject tests.
- Plan your summer activities: school, work, internship or community service. Explore and consider summer enrichment programs (See Handbook for examples).
April
- Register for June SAT and Subject Tests.
- Prepare for AP Exams.
- Students and parents attend Case Studies Night.
- Attend WACAC College Fair @ Dominican University if interested in participating colleges.
- Visit campuses during Easter break.
May
- Update your activities resume in Family Connection and continue to note any experiences that could be used in your college essays.
- Take AP exams, SAT and/or Subject tests.
- Complete your Junior Class College Project.
Early June
- Take June SAT, SAT Subject or ACT tests as planned.
Summer
- Finalize your list of colleges.
- Tour college campuses during summer vacation.
- If necessary, take test prep courses to improve test scores. Check your colleges’ websites to learn if they have test requirements (i.e., SAT or ACT) and whether they require subject tests.
- Get a job and save your earnings.
- Research early decision/early action deadlines.
- Contact your congressional representative to apply for a military academy.
Begin thinking about college personal statements.
To download and print a copy of the entire college check list, click here.