College Planning for Juniors

  • Timetable And Checklist For Juniors

    Junior Class Presentation

    September

    • Check out the career center and the internet for college searches. Once you have a preliminary list of colleges, go directly to the college’s website. There you will find the admissions requirements, including application deadlines and applicable admissions tests.
    • Register for the PSAT (take in October), SAT (take in March) and ACT (take in April).
    • Plan to visit colleges during vacations.  Arrange college tours by contacting the colleges of your choice.  Attend local college fairs. 
    • Nurture relationships with teachers and counselors.

    October

    • Take the PSAT exam.
    • Start checking into scholarships on the internet at sites such as fastweb.comin public libraries and bookstores (you will be filling out the majority of your scholarships the first semester of your senior year). 
    • Continue researching colleges. Visit with college representatives visiting CSHS. 

    December

    • Plan when you are going to take SAT Subject tests or CLEP tests if needed for your college.

    January - February

    • Consider creating a portfolio that highlights your special interests, talents, service, resume, etc. and schedule college visits/campus tours to your top colleges. 
    • Register for the SAT and/or ACT early to get a convenient location for a spring test date at www.collegeboard.org and www.actstudent.orgYou are responsible for registering online for the SAT/ACT. Take advantage of sample tests available online and at the library to prepare for the exams. You may take these entrance exams anytime your junior year.  Most juniors take the exams in the spring of their junior year. You can retake the exam in the fall of senior year.
    • Plan to attend a Financial Aid Night in February.

    February - March

    • Register for your senior classes.  Colleges and scholarship organizations will be looking at what you decide to take your senior year.  Remember to choose challenging classes!

    March - June

    • If you have not done so already, secure registration for the SAT and SAT Subject tests at www.collegeboard.org or the ACT at www.actstudent.org.  
    • Visit your top college websites to view their admissions and scholarship applications. 
    • Take AP and IB exams if you are enrolled in these classes.  Consider taking CLEP tests in core content areas.
    • Student Athletes:  If you want to play Division I, II Sports, make sure you are following the eligibility guidelines.  The website is www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

    June - July

    • READ! READ! READ! Read serious books that will extend your outlook and vocabulary. 
    • Firm up your list of colleges.  Check admissions and entrance exam requirements. 
    • Visit colleges if possible. 
    • Do something CONSTRUCTIVE!  Become a volunteer, seek out internships, attend a summer seminar, obtain a paying job to help defray upcoming college expenses, or travel.  Make your summer worthwhile.
    • Polish up your personal statement and resume, so that you will be ready to complete your applications in a timely fashion.
    • In June, finalize the list of colleges to which you will apply and create a timeline using the College Board Application Checklist.
    • In July and August begin college applications available online.