AHS Guidance Department

Junior Year College Planning Timeline

  Fall

• Get serious about your schoolwork if you haven't already.  Junior year grades are extremely important as is the rigor of your coursework.

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT.  Sign up with your counselor in October.  Get PSAT/NMSQT tips and a free practice test at www.collegeboard.com

Winter

• Review your PSAT/NMSQT results with your counselor.

• Start your college search: Make lists of your abilities, preferences, and personal qualities.  List things your may want to study and do in college.  Then, use college search engines to find colleges with the right characteristics.

• Check with schools you are interested in to see if they prefer or require the ACT, the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, or none of the above.  Most colleges will accept either the SAT or the ACT.

Spring

• With your parents or counselor, make a list of schools to visit during spring break or in the summer.  If possible, it's best to visit while schools are in session, so you can visit classes and talk to students and professors.

• Register for the SATs and/or ACTs and prep for the exams.

• Meet with your counselor to plan your schedule for your senior year.  These classes are included on your transcript.  Colleges want to see that you are still challenging yourself.

Summer

• Compile a resume or activities, honors, leadership positions, and jobs.  You'll need this information for applications, scholarship forms, and it will help the person writing your letter of recommendation.

• Continue researching and visiting colleges.  Counselors advise you enter your senior year with a list of schools you have in mind (around 3 or 4).

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