Junior year is a big year in the college admissions world. Rigor of courseload and grades really do count. College admission committees often weigh junior and senior year grades more heavily than freshman and sophomore grades. First and foremost, focus on doing well in your classes!
The following is a college admissions calendar for the junior year. Read it carefully so that you are informed about what to do and what is available to you as you go through this important year in high school.
September
Concentrate on doing well in your classes. Remember that junior and senior year grades are often weighed more heavily than freshman and sophomore year grades in the college admission process.
Visit with college admission representatives when they visit Briarcrest. They are included in daily announcements..
Begin thinking about preferences in four-year colleges and universities, such as location, size, public, private, liberal arts, coed or single-sex, activities, majors, housing, scholarships and financial.
Do a general search using criteria youve set for yourself on college information websites:
www.collegeboard.com
www.ecampustours.com
www.makingitcount.com
www.collegeview.com
www.anycollege.com
Begin preparing for the PSAT and SAT I. You may read preparation books on your own. Or visit these online resources: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep.html or http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/prep_one.html
Register for the ACT. Briarcrest's high school code is 431391. You may visit the ACT website for testing dates and registration deadlines. (www.actstudent.com)
October
Take the PSAT. Although the sophomore year PSAT was given for practice, the junior year scores may qualify you for National Merit Semifinalist status and make you eligible for possible National Merit scholarships. Mark on your PSAT answer sheet that you wish to receive materials from colleges, and schools will send you information if your PSAT score suggests that you would qualify for admission.
Continue to attend sessions with college admission representatives who visit Briarcrest.
November
Keep up the good work in your classes.
Continue to attend sessions with college admission representatives who visit Briarcrest.
December
PSAT scores will be mailed to you the third week of the month. Estimate your SAT score from the handbook. Establish what areas you need to work on and organize a study routine to improve those areas.
Talk with previous BCHS graduates who are home from college for the holidays. They can tell you their likes and dislikes of their college choice; about their adjustment to college; and about those things that they wished somebody had told them before they left for college. Enjoy having a break from school!
January
Start the second semester working hard in your classes. Strong second-semester grades may be a key factor in an admission decision. Remember that junior and senior grades are often weighed more heavily by admission committees. Your transcript through the junior year will be evaluated by most colleges in their admission decisions.
You will often receive mail from colleges based on your PSAT scores. Read the information thoroughly from the schools you find most interesting. They contain a great deal of interesting material and will help you narrow down your choices.
Use your PSAT and ACT scores, along with your GPA (weighted and unweighted) to determine your academic qualifications. Begin to match these qualifications with the admission statistics for various colleges. It is important to be realistic about your academic profile. Your college counselor is happy to help you with this important task.
Plan college visits for later in the spring. Colleges offer information sessions and tours year round. The spring sessions and tours book up early. You will find more flexibility and access if you plan in advance especially if you plan to visit colleges during spring break.
February
Schedule your first individual meeting with your college counselor to discuss what you are looking for in a college (size, location, academic program, etc.) and your high school record, PSAT scores, activities, and personal and academic strengths and weaknesses. From this discussion, you and your college counselor will develop a list of colleges (usually between 10 and 20) that meet your interests and are appropriate for your profile.
Between now and the end of the school year, parents should schedule a meeting with the college counselor that should include you. We encourage all parents to take an active role in your college search and application process. This meeting will help identify things you can do before your senior year to prepare for the college application process and answer any questions you and your parents may have.
Plan college visits. Colleges offer information sessions and tours year round. The spring sessions and tours book up early. You will find more flexibility and access if you plan in advance especially if you plan to visit colleges during spring break.
As you plan your senior schedule, be aware of and plan for the curriculum requirements at the schools that most interest you.
March
Take the SAT I if any of your college choices require or prefer it. Some students test better on this test than the ACT.
Visit college campuses over spring break. Attend spring college fairs in the Memphis area. The NACAC Fair is usually in March or April each year and targets sophomores and juniors. Admission is free.
April
Continue to gather information and evaluate colleges you are considering.
If you havent had a meeting with your parents and your college counselor, schedule one before the end of the school year.
Attend spring college fairs and evening programs held at area hotels and high schools. Details are usually listed on the "Resent College Announcements" on the BCS website.
May
Take the SAT II subject tests, if you are planning to apply to selective colleges and universities, or take the SAT I for a second time if you wish. Determine which subject tests are recommended by the colleges you are considering.
Take AP exams if you are in AP courses.
June
Continue with community service, participate in summer opportunities on college campuses or gain some job experience. Visit colleges again and begin to narrow your choices. Get organized and keep good notes.
Summer between Your Junior and Senior Years
Visit college campuses in which you are interested, recognizing that you may need to return to some campuses when they are in session to get a complete view of the schools. If you wait until your senior year begins to visit colleges, you have waited too long.
Most college websites will have a schedule of tours and information about making an appointment.
Try to narrow your list to fewer than 10 schools that meet your criteria and accept students with your profile.
Go online to the college websites to look at the undergraduate applications. You will apply for admission in early fall.
Plan to attend summer programs: camp, sports, travel, volunteer or enrichment programs. Petersons (http://www.petersons.com/summerop/) is a great website resource for finding summer programs. Colleges often ask you to write about a life-changing experience in an essay or describe them in an interview. A summer experience my lead to an essay topic.
If you are not satisfied with your standardized test results, use the summer months to increase your testing skills.You could use a test prep tutor or use test prep materials on your own.
Begin brainstorming about possible college essay topics, and begin writing your college admissions essay! Questions should be on the application. Some colleges require more than one essay, while others do no require any.
Your College Counselor welcomes your questions and is eager to help you with your college search.