High School Juniors

SEPTEMBER

 

√  This year the PSAT counts; taking it may qualify you to receive a National Merit Scholarship. Make sure you sign up to take it in October.

√  Pick up a copy of the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin at the guidance counseling office and take the enclosed practice test.

√  Meet with your guidance counselor and compare the academic requirement for each target school. If necessary adjust your schedule.

√  Register online for the SAT, which is offered several times during the year. Be sure to complete the test by the end of junior year.

OCTOBER

 

√ Take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). Check “Yes” for student search services to hear from additional colleges and potential scholarships.

√  Start preparing for the SAT. Click on the Test Prep to take a practice test. You will need the user name and password we provided for you to login. Use those results to focus on the areas where you need the most improvement.

√  Go to college fairs in you area.

NOVEMBER

 

√  Fall is a good time to start the college search! Begin to narrow down the schools you want to consider. Utilize the US News website to begin your college search.

√  Identify test requirements for target schools, including scores for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, and others. PSAT/NMSQT scores can give you an idea of what you would score on the SAT and help you focus your practice for it.

DECEMBER

 

√  Meet with your guidance counselor and compare the academic requirements for some of the schools you are interested in and the classes available during the spring.

JANUARY

 

√  Organize a file for your college brochures and information. Before you know it, they’ll start pouring in.

√  Talk to the school counselor about local scholarship opportunities.

FEBRUARY

 

√  Plan to visit college campuses this spring while classes are in session. Be sure to schedule interviews with admissions officers.

√  Practice for upcoming SAT in the Test Prep section of The College Store website.

MARCH

 

√  Most students take the SAT in spring of junior year and/or fall of senior year. Register online for spring or summer SAT tests.

√  Meet with your counselor to discuss AP courses to take senior year. You may want to consider taking a course at a local college, especially if you are interested in a subject for which your school doesn’t offer AP courses.

√  Now is a great time for you to start looking for a summer job, internship or volunteer opportunity that may a positive addition to your applications / resume.

√  Meet with your school counselor to discuss summer learning programs at local colleges that might be of interest to you.

APRIL

 

√  AP Exams are in May. Visit the Test Prep section of The College Store website for tips and prep materials.

√  Attend local college fairs.

MAY

 

√  Begin to compile a folder of materials and documents necessary for applications. In addition to copies of your transcripts, a resume and income documents, this might include things such as writing samples, portfolios, audition tapes, and other materials that individual schools may require.

SUMMER

 

√  Call ahead for tour and open house schedules at colleges you are interested in.

√  If you are planning to take the SAT in the fall, register online now.

√  Narrow your college list to 6-8 schools. The list should include “safe” schools as well as “reach” and “realistic” schools.