Preparing for College – Checklist for High School Juniors

Are you dreaming of senior year, that magical time when you’ll FINALLY rule the roost? It may seem like it’s a long way off, but in a few short months, your final year of high school will be upon you — and so will college applications. While it’s tempting to put “all things college” on the back burner until next fall, preparing for college during your junior year is a smart strategy that can reduce stress, help you stay on track, and increase your chances of admission.

Here are seven items that should be on every junior’s college planning checklist.

Talk With Your College Counselor About How to Prepare for College

Do you walk straight past your college counselor’s office every day? Now is the time to stop in for a chat. Your counselor has helped countless students get admitted to college, and they can do the same for you. From helping you choose senior year courses that colleges require to advising on admission requirements to exploring ways to pay for college, your counselor is an invaluable resource who can show you how to prepare for college successfully.

Make a First Draft of Your College List

Junior year is a great time to start researching potential colleges and compiling your initial college list. For now, keep the list broad – you’ll have time to whittle it down over the summer, ideally after you’ve gathered more information about each school.

Visit Colleges, In-Person or Virtually

Now that you’ve developed your initial list, spend the rest of your junior year visiting as many campuses as possible. Take the official tour. Explore campus on your own. Talk to students. Eat in the dining hall. It’s the best way to get a sense of what it’s really like to attend a college and gather information you won’t find online. Begin thinking about your applications. Generally, colleges will have their applications online by the beginning of August.

Attend College Fairs

Attending a college fair is an efficient way to gather information about multiple colleges at one time and connect directly with admissions reps – all without traveling to campus. 

Consider Registering for the SAT or ACT

Hundreds of colleges have gone “test-optional.” However, there are still plenty of reasons to sign up for the SAT or the ACT.

Highly selective institutions still require test scores, and they may be required to qualify for scholarships or other financial aid based on academic merit. Additionally, test-optional schools will consider your scores if you submit them, and if you scored well, it could reflect favorably on your application.

Get Involved in an Activity or Volunteer

Have you joined a school club or do you volunteer in your community? If so, now is a great time to step up to a leadership role with your group. If not, get involved in something that interests you, be it a club, a team, a community organization, or your church. 

Start developing a résumé

A record of your accomplishments, activities, and work experience. This will be an important part of your college application.

There you have it! This college checklist for high school juniors will help you to stay focused and on track for college. Remember, it’s okay to not know what you want yet. Take this time to figure out your strengths and interests and know it’s okay to change your mind as you explore.