Congratulations on completing the first semester of your junior year of high school! As we laid out back in August, your junior year is the most important year in preparing for college admissions from an academic standpoint as it is the last full year of grades that colleges will see as they review your college application and it will likely be your most rigorous year of classes with AP, Honors and/or IB courses.
It is also when you should carve out time in your already busy schedule to ramp up your college admission journey. At Great College Advice, our goal is to empower students to manage this in a way that works best for you. Although there is no cookie-cutter approach, here are some suggestions to accelerate the college admissions process in the second semester of your junior year of high school.
Schedule a meeting with your high school counselor
Many high schools will introduce college planning programs to students in the second semester of your junior year. Please attend these meetings where you can gain valuable initial insight to the college admissions process. Your high school counselor will hopefully be a great resource for questions along the way, whether it be pointing you to potential college majors, standardized test advice, local college fair details, local scholarship information, and help with high school course selection. For many colleges, a letter of recommendation from your counselor is required so schedule a 1-on-1 meeting so your counselor can learn more about you. Your high school counselor can be a great resource if you are proactive so use them!
Plan to sit for the SAT/ACT this semester
Spring of your junior year is the time to finalize your standardized testing plan. Although most colleges remain test optional following COVID, we recommend studying and sitting for the SAT or ACT at least once. Some of the most selective colleges have begun to once again require standardized test score submissions. Also, even though many colleges truly are test optional, your admission odds may increase with a test result above a certain threshold. In terms of which test to take, you may want to take a practice exam for each. Many test prep companies will provide free resources as well. At a minimum, we strongly recommend that you sit for your initial exam in the spring of your junior year. Your senior year of high school is going to be super busy, so don’t leave the testing until the last minute.
Continue refining your college list
If you were too busy studying during the first semester of junior year to begin researching colleges and majors, the second semester of your junior year is an ideal time to explore what colleges have to offer. The Fiske Guide to Colleges provides a fantastic overview of hundreds of colleges. Compile a list of schools to explore further and visit their websites to learn more. Most colleges now offer virtual tours which is a great way to learn more about majors, dorm life, athletics, dining, and the social scene. For those colleges that appeal to you, sign up to their email distribution lists. As you explore, ask yourself questions along the way. Will you be happy at a rural school, or do you want to be in the city? Do large lectures seem like the way to go, or would you rather have a school with small classes? Based on your academic interests, does this college have the major(s) that you may pursue? Can you see yourself at this school? Make a list of the attributes important to you and what colleges pique your interest. Keep in mind that you should have likely, target, and reach schools on your list—don’t just apply to one Ivy League!
Research possible college majors
Now is the time to explore what you want your college major to be. Identify your interests and look up online what careers and majors are associated with them. Some websites offer free tests that assess things you like and dislike and offer possible major choices, which could help you if you’re not sure where to start. You can also talk to your counselor about choices and to see if they offer a career test as well.
Attend your local winter/spring college fair
Also, use the second semester of your junior year to attend a college fair near you. Visiting college booths and talking to admissions representatives is a great way to learn more about potential colleges of interest. Introduce yourself, talk to the admissions representative, and ask questions. Visit their website and sign up for their email distribution list. Your high school guidance office will likely be sending out information about these fairs. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has numerous college fairs scheduled across the country beginning in late January. In the Denver area, the Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling (RMACAC) is holding its spring college fair in early March.
Plan a college tour spring break trip or visit schools near you
With your initial college list complete, strategize your spring break trip to hit as many schools as possible and within reason. Do not overload your schedule so shoot for one visit per day. Sign up in advance through the respective admissions offices for a campus tour. Check the colleges’ calendars or contact the admissions office to make sure that the college spring break doesn’t overlap with yours as it is important to experience a school with students on campus.
If you are staying local over spring break, plan a visit to a few nearby colleges. They don’t have to be ones at the top of your list. Rather, aim for diversity; check out a big school vs. a small school or a public university vs. a liberal arts college. When you’re on campus, think about whether you can envision yourself at a school like this. By starting local and thinking more thoughtfully about what is important to you, you will be able to become more strategic when it comes to future college trips.
Figure out which teachers to ask for letters of recommendation
You will ask teachers for letters of recommendation near the end of your junior year. Keep this in mind as you enter the spring semester of your junior year. Hopefully there will be classes that you find truly interesting, and you come to class every day eager to learn. By coming in prepared, with a positive attitude, willing to collaborate with peers, and actively participating in discussions, your teacher will appreciate your intellectual curiosity. As an invaluable and respected member of the classroom, your teacher will eagerly write a letter of recommendation on your behalf entering your senior year.
Begin thinking about your summer plans
Summer is filled with endless opportunities for high school students, such as:
- Getting a job or internship;
- volunteering or participating in a community service program;
- taking college classes or attending an academic program on a college campus;
- playing organized sports or going to a sports camp;
- traveling abroad or participating in a travel or adventure program;
- participating in performing arts (i.e., community theater) or attending an arts or music camp;
If you’re planning to work and save money for college this summer – congratulations! Having a job demonstrates commitment, responsibility, and maturity — all things that college admissions officers like to see. In terms of rounding out your summer outside of work, it’s important to consider the same questions you’d ask when choosing activities for the school year: What do I enjoy doing? What am I passionate about? How can I achieve something and/or demonstrate leadership? Additionally, keep in mind that summer may offer you a chance to pursue interests that you aren’t able to engage in during the school year.
Need help kickstarting your junior year college admissions journey?
This to-do list contains recommendations to stay on track and take control of the college planning process during your junior year. However, if you feel as though you need some personal guidance so that you can blaze your trail toward college success, please contact us for a complimentary initial consultation. The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. We provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun. Here’s to a great second half of your junior year!
