You are a junior in high school and about to finish up the year and enter your senior year. But before that final year arrives, there are some important things to consider as you close the book on your 11th grade year. According to Rick Hazelton, here are some vital things you should accomplish before your senior year.
1. Get Organized
You should create a spreadsheet to keep track of all of the college application deadlines for the colleges you are seriously thinking about applying to. You should also make a spreadsheet for the application types, such as early action, early decision, rolling, and regular admissions. On your spreadsheet you also need to include the testing requirements for each college and if each needs any supplemental materials, including art portfolios, dance and theatre DVDs, or any other pertinent information.
2. Plan Your Senior Schedule
You should build a senior course schedule with the appropriate rigorous classes, including any Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses. Remember that an easy senior schedule may weaken your college application, and with the stiff competition to get into college these days, a strong schedule will only benefit you.
3. Don’t Catch Junior-itis
Many of the seniors you know are currently suffering through senior-itis. Don’t let them be a distraction to you. You really need to finish the year strong by doing well on your final exams and completing all of the work assigned. Having a successful end to your junior year will only strengthen your college application.
4. Start Evaluating Your Finances With Your Parents
It is time to start having a serious discussion with your parents about what your family can and can’t afford. Most college web sites have an application that will show you how much all of the different expenses are for each individual college you are thinking about applying to. Start researching any and all types of financial aid and scholarship possibilities that may present themselves.
5. Visit Colleges This Summer
Try to visit some of the colleges you want to attend so you can get a great idea of what the college is like. See if you can take a summer tour, set up meetings with counselors and/or professors, and try to talk to any current students who may be taking summer classes.
6. Continue Preparing for the SAT and ACT
If you have not taken either of these exams, or if you didn’t score as high as you wanted, continue studying for the tests. Remember that strong scores will definitely enhance your college application.
If you need help with any of the tips mentioned, please contact us as we can help prepare you for the college application process you will undergo in the fall.