7 College Planning Tips for High School Juniors

The second semester of  junior year is incredibly important! When you are applying to colleges next fall, the last classes and grades the colleges will see will be your grades from junior year. The second semester of your junior year is not only busy with school, but you are likely also starting the college search and selection process. Here are a few tips from Climb to College to help you get on track and stay on track during your junior year!

• Academics are a priority and should always come first! The most important factor in the admissions process is academic history, so stay focused and have a great semester so that your most recent grades are strong.
  
  
• Create a testing plan to determine what tests you are going to take (ACT, SAT, Subject Tests, AP, or all of the above) as well as when you are going to take them. Preparation is important, so having a plan in place will help you reduce the anxiety associated with standardized testing.
  
  
• Build a professional resume that includes your co-curricular involvement, activities, work experience, honors and awards, and unique hobbies and talents.
  
  
• Get involved! If you are not already involved in some type of community service or engagement activity, you have time to get involved. We encourage students to join clubs and organizations that they are passionate about. If you can’t find one at your school, start one! Leadership is incredibly important and definitely makes you stand out.
  
  
• Meet with your high school college counselor! More than likely your high school counselor will write a letter of recommendation for your college applications, so you want to ensure they know you and can say positive things about you.
  
  
• Attend a college fair in your community. For example, this spring in Colorado over 200 colleges will attend a college fair hosted by RMACAC and CCHS on March 15th from 1:00-3:30pm. Ask your college counselors about this fair as it is a great way to talk with many colleges and ask any questions that you have.
  
  
• Visit college campuses over spring break. Whether planning a full trip specifically to take college visits, or even just vacationing close to a college campus, make sure to spend a few hours taking an official tour to learn more about the schools you are considering and what programs they offer. If you aren’t planning to travel, visit local colleges. It’s important to make sure you do an official tour hosted by the Office of Admissions, even if it is a school you think you know really well. This official visit will not only help answer questions, but provide new information and demonstrate interest to the school should you decide to apply.
  
  

At Climb to College, we personalize the college search and selection process for you and your family, so feel free to contact us to find out more information about these tips and other helpful resources! 

Learn more about Boulder, Colorado based educational consultant and blog post author Jennifer McDuffie.

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