---

JUNIOR PLANNING GUIDE

 

• SEPTEMBER:

· Review your schedule to be sure you are taking college preparatory courses

 

· Maintain your activities all year

 

· Maintain your grades or if they are weak, use this year to achieve

 

· Begin to think seriously about college.  Look through college guide books, catalogs, computerized search programs, and career information. 

 

· Register for October PSAT in the guidance office

 

OCTOBER:

· Junior year PSAT scores may qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Competition

 

· Listen for announcements and sign up in the guidance office when college representatives are coming to visit

 

· Begin to think about possible majors in college – what are your favorite courses?  What are you good at?

 

NOVEMBER:

· Review your possible list of majors

 

· Begin to explore schools that offer these majors

 

· Junior year grades are very important.  Put in the effort that is required to keep your grades up or to achieve more.  Get help from teachers or tutors if necessary.

 

DECEMBER:

· Keep working on your grades

 

· PSAT results will become available.  Your counselor will make an appointment to review your results and provide information about the SAT’s

 

· Consider taking the SAT prep course

 

JANUARY:

· Begin a preliminary list of schools that you will explore

 

· Verify with your family your social security number.  This number is important in completing paperwork used during the college admission process

 

· Begin thinking more intensely about your college and career goals, your interests, strengths and weaknesses.

 

· Prepare for course selection.  Think about your possible college majors and prepare to take courses that will challenge you in those areas

 

FEBRUARY:

· Complete your course selection sheets and turn them in to the guidance office by the set deadline.  Once your counselor has your sheet she will make an appointment with you to review it and plan for your final year in high school and beyond.

 

· Register for a Spring SAT dates. You can register on-line at collegeboard.com or complete the paper registration available in the guidance office

 

· Review your list of schools with your counselor to determine if they are a ‘good fit’ for you and check college requirements for your college/major 

 

· Review with your school counselor the appropriate procedures for the NCAA Clearinghouse if you are interested in pursuing athletics in college.  Their website is:  ncaaclearinghouse.org

 

· Listen for announcements and check in the guidance office for summer opportunities which may enhance your learning

 

· Talk with your coach of athletics or advisor of extra-curricular activities and get information about summer opportunities to improve your skills in an area and to be visible to college coaches and representatives who are able to offer scholarships to students who may have special talents and qualify

 

MARCH:

· Contact schools on your list for general information and for dates of Spring/Summer open houses and/or information sessions

 

· Keep up with your school work and plan to finish the year strong

 

APRIL:

· Register for May/June SAT I and/or the ACT and inquire with your schools whether they require SAT II subject tests for admission

 

· Attend accredited regional college fairs to meet with college representatives

 

· Thoroughly read over the information you received from colleges

 

· Rank colleges in order of your preference

 

· Explore early action or early decision options with your counselor

 

MAY:

· Take the SAT I

 

JUNE:

· Study for final exams.

 

· Take a ‘road trip’ and visit the college campuses in which you may have interest