JUNIOR CHECKLIST
Junior year is a very important year for preparing for college. Within the next year you will take your standardized tests, finalize your list of colleges, visit schools, 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 leadership opportunities within these organizations.
✔ ATTEND COLLEGE VISITS
College representatives will visit NYHS throughout the Fall. Attend these visits to learn more about a variety of colleges and universities and meet with admission representatives.
✔ PSAT / TEST PREP
You will take the PSAT in class in October. Consider registering for Test Prep if interested.
✔ SCHEDULE COLLEGE VISITS
Take official college visits whenever possible, by taking an official tour, your name will be in the 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 in SCOIR. If you need help putting this together, come see Mrs. Gee.
✔ SCHEDULE & TAKE TESTS
Make a plan for what tests you plan to take based on your preliminary list of colleges, some will specify specific tests which need to be taken. 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.
✔ RESUME
Create a resume of activities and accomplishments. This will be useful when requesting letters of recommendation and completing your college applications. 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
If warranted, request letters of recommendation from preferably junior year teachers and, if needed, a program specific instructor (coach, fine arts teacher, music teacher, business teacher). Provide each person you have requested a letter from with a resume of activities and accomplishments.
FOR THE SUMMER...
✔ REGISTER FOR FALL TESTS
If you are planning to retake any tests in the fall, make sure to register for them when necessary over the summer.
✔ COLLEGE VISITS
Most colleges will continue to offer tours throughout the summer, visiting schools you did not make it to during the school year.
✔ FINALIZE YOUR COLLEGE LIST
Continue to finalize your college list and update your Naviance account with any schools you have omitted or added.
✔ APPLICATIONS
Review the Common App as well as any applications for schools which do not use the Common App when they become available. Make a chart of deadlines and pay particular attention to early decision, early action and preferred application deadlines.
✔ 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. Take advantage of multiple proofreaders, they have reviewed a lot of college essays and have a good understanding of what colleges are looking for.