If you are a college bound Junior in High School, the following information will help you on your quest to find the right college for you and financial aid to pay for it. Click on the month to find out what you should be doing for acceptance into the college of your choice.

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June/July

College Information for Juniors in PDF format

 

Things to do in August

 

1.   Get involved! Review your high school course work and activity plans. Remember that colleges look for:

    • Challenging course-work and a solid GPA.
    • Participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, volunteer work or church.

1.   Identify yourself. Obtain a Social security Number if you do not currently have one. It will be needed for financial aid for college.

Things to do in September

 

1.   Research! Start looking through college guides and catalogs. Also log on to Internet sites of the colleges that are of interest to you.

2.   Discuss! Talk to your guidance counselor and parents about where you would like to go to school.

3.   List ten colleges that you would like to attend. Narrow your choices down by half to a "short list." At a minimum, plan to apply to these schools

4.   Study for the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test).

5.   Keep an eye open for dates and locations for college fairs and "parents’ nights" in your area.

6.   If you have not done any community service projects, find ways you can volunteer in the community.

7.   Join clubs and participate in activities at school or at church.

Things to do in October

 

1.   Take the PSAT--NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test).

2.   Inquire about AP (Advanced Placement) courses available at your school. 

Things to do in November

1.      Start reviewing the eligibility for federal and private student loans. Go to http://www.studentloan.com.

2.     Think about visiting colleges that interest you.

3.     Keep studying. It’s important to maintain your grades.

Things to do in December

 

  1. How did you do? Your PSAT/NMSQT scores should have reached you by now.
  2. Check with colleges you plan to apply as to what the testing requirements are. They include the SAT, SATII (if necessary) and the ACT.
  3. Ask your high school guidance counselor about registration deadlines.

Things to do in January 

  1. Go through the catalogs of the short list of schools that interest you. If you think it will be a benefit, apply for an interview and/or campus visit.
  2. If you do visit the campus, definitely make sure that you meet with an Admissions Officer and a Financial Aid Administrator. Here is your opportunity to ask questions about admissions and financial aid.

Things to Do in February!

 

1.   Start seriously investigating private scholarships and other student aid programs. At the circulation desk, ask a member of the library staff to give you a user name and password for COIN. COIN can be accessed through the Wasson Web Counseling Center page as well as many other college information sites. Also consult Citibank Student Loan website at www.studentloan.com. This site includes a number of links that can help you in your search.

2.   Register and study for SAT and/or ACT exams. SAT I and II are held in April, May, and June. ACTs are given in April and June. Don't delay! Register NOW!

 

Things to Do in March!

1.   Keep on researching outside funding sources. Remember to register and study for the SAT and/or the ACT exams.

2.Use software available in the LMC to help you study or visit http://www.collegeboard.com to practice the test.

2.   3.Ask your guidance counselor if any college representatives will be visiting your high school. Plan to meet with them.

Things to Do in April!

1.   Schedule visits to each of the schools that are on your "short" list, or check out a college video from the Library Media Center.

2.   The information is still fresh in your mind so consider taking the Advanced Placement exams.

3.   To help you prepare for the upcoming SAT/ACT tests, look into a prep course.

4.   Start preparing essays for college admissions and scholarship applications.

5.   Review your senior year course selection.

Things to Do in May

1.   Make sure to take the SAT (I and II) and or ACT exams.

2.   From early to mid-May, Advanced Placement exams are given in high schools nationally.

3.   Make sure you know the test dates and registration deadlines for the remaining SAT I and II exams. You may need to take them during your senior year.

4.   Continue to research I for information on scholarships.

5.   Inquire about college prep programs during the summer.

6.   Ask your favorite teacher for a letter of recommendation. Be sure to provide the teacher with a list of your activities.

Things to Do in June and July

1.   If you did not take the SAT (I and II) and or ACT exams last month, take them NOW!

2.   If you plan to take it in the fall, fine-tune your math skills as you prepare for your SAT.

3.   Try to find a summer job that might be related to your career interest. You will also earn money for college.

4.   Are you traveling this summer? If so, consider scheduling a college visit.

5.   Start writing your resume.