Junior Planning

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Junior Year

Begin college selection process. Attend college fairs, financial aid seminars, general information sessions, etc., to learn as much as you can about the college application process. Make sure you are meeting NCAA requirements if you want to play Division I or II sports in college!

September

• Register for the October 17^th PSAT. Deadline is October 8^th. Pick up a registration form in the counseling office.
• Save samples of your best work for your academic portfolio (all year).
• Maintain your co-curricular record (all year).
• Get serious about your schoolwork if you haven't already; junior-year grades are extremely important as is the rigor of your coursework.
• Attend college fairs and gather information.
• Visit with college representatives during lunch.

October

• Junior year, PSAT scores may qualify a student for the National Merit Scholarship Competition and the National Achievement and the National Hispanic Scholars programs. So, even though these scores will not be used for college admission, it is still a good idea to take the PSAT. The more times you take standardized tests, the more familiar you will become with the format and the types of questions asked. If you wish to receive free information from colleges, indicate on the PSAT test answer form that you want to participate in the Student Search.
• Take SAT preparation courses, or study for the SAT and/or ACT.
• Talk to your parents about limits - e.g., financial or geographic - they may set on where you attend college. It may affect your decision about where to apply.
• October 3^rd – Williamson County Schools College Fair, Cool Springs Galleria.
• Visit with college representatives during lunch.
• Pick up an application to Governor’s school if interested – Due on November 9^th.

November

• Talk with your parents about how you will finance your college costs and how much they expect you to pay. Remember: a private school that seems more expensive on paper may actually be more affordable than a public school once you figure in financial aid, and you won't know that until you get in.
• Grades are used to determine scholarships and grants for which you may be eligible. So, put in the extra effort and keep those grades up!
• If you will require financial aid, start researching your options for grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.

December

• During December, you should receive the results of your PSAT. Read your score report and consult your school counselor to determine how you might improve on future tests.
• Review your PSAT results with your counselor, and decide whether you'd benefit from a prep course or from using test-prep software. You can also improve your score by practicing on previously administered exams.

January

• Begin to make a preliminary list of colleges you would like to investigate further. Surf the internet and use the college resources in the counseling office and school library.
• Watch for open house events at colleges you would like to visit.
• Identify the characteristics of a college that matter to you: size, geographical location, academic rigor, social environment, or diversity, to name some key examples.
• If you hope to play a sport and may qualify for an athletic scholarship, contact coaches at colleges you're considering.
• If you plan to take the ACT, register now for the February ACT. Many colleges accept the ACT or the SAT I. Some colleges require the ACT or both SAT I and SAT II. When you being to explore different colleges and universities, double-check to see if they prefer or require the ACT, the SAT I, and /or the SAT II.

February

• Meet with your school counselor to discuss your list of colleges. Discuss whether your initial list of colleges meets your needs and interests and whether you are considering colleges where you are likely to be admitted. You should be optimistic and realistic when applying to colleges.
• Register for the March SAT I if you have completed the mat courses covered on the SAT I. If not, plan to take the SAT I in May or June. Prepare for the tests by signing up for a prep course, using computer programs, or doing practice tests. But don’t spend so much time trying to improve scores that grades and co-curricular involvement suffer.

March

• Write, telephone, or email to request admission literature and financial aid information from the colleges on your list. There is no charge and no obligation to obtain general information about admission and financial aid.
• Make a list of schools to visit during spring break (or in the summer or fall). If possible, it's best to visit while schools are in session, so that you can visit classes and talk to students and professors. RHS allows a maximum of 1 day during the Junior Year which will be counted against your exemption, but will be excused if pre-approved. Request the visit day with Student Services two weeks beforehand and bring a letter from the college for proof of your visit.
• Visit college campuses and meet with admissions officers. Remember to call ahead for an appointment.
• When selecting your senior courses, be sure to continue to challenge yourself academically. Select courses for your senior year that strengthen your academic record and ensure that you meet College Entrance Requirements.
• Register now for the April ACT test date.

April

• Register for the May or June SAT or ACT if you want to apply early.
• If wanting to take the SAT Subject tests, check the calendar carefully to determine when the subject tests you want are offered.
• Continue to evaluate your list of colleges and universities. Eliminate colleges from the original list that no longer interest you and add others as appropriate.
• Look into or apply for special summer academic or enrichment programs. Colleges love to see students using their knowledge and developing their skills and interests.

May

• Take the Advanced Placement exam for any AP course you have completed. If you score well, you may receive college credits.
• Find a summer job that will boost your skills - or your savings. But leave enough time to visit a few colleges.
• Get a jump start on summer activities – consider enrolling in an academic course at a local college, applying for an internship, working, or volunteering. If you work, save part of your earnings for college.
• Check your transcript at the end of the year to make sure it is correct.

Summer

• Begin visiting colleges. Phone to set up an appointment. Seeing the college firsthand, taking a tour and talking to students can be the greatest help in deciding whether or not a school is right for you. Although, it is ideal to visit colleges during the academic year, going in the summer will be valuable. Admission offices employ their students to give tours and answer questions from prospective students and their parents.
• Continue to refine your list of colleges and schools.
• Take the SAT I or the SAT II.
• Compile a resumé of activities, honors, leadership positions, and jobs. You'll need this information for applications and scholarship forms.
• If you have a clear "first choice" college, decide if you are going to apply for early decision or early action. Be aware that if you are accepted for early decision, you are likely committing yourself to attend that school.
• If you are an athlete and plan on playing in college, contact the coaches at the schools to which you are applying and ask about intercollegiate and intramural sports programs and athletic scholarships.
• Complete the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse form if you hope to play Division I or II sports. (This form cannot be mailed to you until you finish your 6^th semester of high school – your junior year).
• Start researching scholarships. You may find useful information in your school or public library and online at www.finaid.com, www.fastaid.com, and www.usnews.com. Start thinking about your college essays and who you want to write your teacher recommendations.