JUNIOR CHECKLIST
Junior year is a very important year for preparing for your future beyond high school. Within the next year you will take your standardized tests, finalize your list of colleges, gap year providers, or apprenticeships, visit schools and college fairs, and apply… whew; what a busy year!
✔ GRADES, GRADES, & GRADES
You may be taking some of your most challenging classes this year, make sure to keep your grades strong and seek help when needed.
✔ STAY INVOLVED
Colleges like to see commitment, so stay involved in the activities you joined freshman and sophomore year and continue to look for opportunities for growth within these organizations.
✔ ATTEND COLLEGE VISITS
College representatives will visit NYHS throughout the fall. Attend these meetings and go to local and virtual college fairs to learn more about a variety of colleges and universities and meet with admission representatives.
✔ PSAT
You will take the PSAT in class in October.
✔ ACT vs. SAT
Though over 2,000 accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. are either permanently or temporarily test-optional, you should still take either the SAT or ACT. As some students perform far better on one exam over the other, it is in your best interests to take a practice exam for each to determine which you will commit to. It is not recommended to prepare for both, as that requires a great deal of time and effort, but does not provide significant benefit.
Take your standardized tests (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT) in the spring and remember you will need to register for these tests several months in advance.
✔ SCHEDULE COLLEGE VISITS
Whether in person or virtually, college tours, visits, and events help you determine where you wish to apply. Additionally, as demonstrating interest in a university is considered very important, participating in one of these opportunities ensures your name will be in the university’s system which will be to your advantage when it comes time to apply.
✔ COLLEGE LIST
Now it is time to compile a preliminary list of colleges including reach schools, level schools and likely schools. Enter all the schools you are considering on your college list worksheet. Once the first draft is completed, make an appointment to see Ms. Frankwick. Solidifying your college list is a long process. It is advisable to meet with Ms. Frankwick 2-3 times to discuss.
✔ RESUME
Create a resume of activities and accomplishments. This will be useful when completing your college applications or applying for apprenticeships. If you kept a list during your freshman and sophomore years, then you’re already two-thirds done!
✔ STUDENT ATHLETES
Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at the beginning of your junior year, you will need to be cleared academically and as an amateur athlete before you will be eligible to play division I or II sports.
✔ LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
In May, request letters of recommendation from those teachers you believe know you best and can speak to your character, growth, and potential. Some universities accept recommendation letters from those beyond school teachers (coach, private art/music teacher/tutor, job, internship, or volunteer supervisor, religious leader).
✔ ESSAYS
Review the essay requirements and supplement questions for your target schools. Look for common themes and begin to outline your essays and answers to questions. Draft your main personal statement before the end of Junior year to ensure Ms. Frankwick can review it and provide feedback. Over the summer and early fall, draft supplemental essays, receive feedback, and revise.
FOR THE SUMMER...
✔ RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS
Many university-specific scholarships & the most competitive private scholarships require separate applications and have early deadlines. Often, the availability of scholarships and your level of competitiveness will greatly inform which universities you apply to.
✔ FINALIZE YOUR COLLEGE LIST
Continue to refine your college list and update your college application task list and timeline.
✔ APPLICATIONS
Complete the Common Application as well as any applications for schools which do not use the Common Application in August. Make a chart of deadlines and pay particular attention to early decision, early action and early application deadlines for university-specific scholarships.