When high school students are preparing for college, most focus on what they need to do as seniors in order to be accepted to their college of choice. However, many people do not realize that high school juniors will need to prepare for college, just as much as seniors do.
College planning should start early, really as soon as you start developing an interest in a career. By the time that you are a junior, you probably have a general idea as to which schools that you are interested in as well as which career path that you wish to follow. Below are six things that all high school juniors need to keep in mind as they prepare for their senior year of high school and their freshman year of college.
1. Keep up the good grades. This probably goes without saying, but it is very important that you maintain good grades throughout your high school career. Although you will be taking college placement exams, colleges focus heavily on the type of classes that you take as well as the scores you receive in those classes. It is also a good idea to plan your schedule with classes that will matter once you begin college. So, while your friends are spending time in woodshop or electronics class, your focus should fall more on high level science, math or English courses, depending the major of your choice.
2. Study for the ACT or SAT. Once of the best ways to prepare for the exams is to actually take them when you are a junior. You can consider this to be a practice test and a learning experience for you. By taking the test early, you will easily learn your strengths and your weaknesses early and be able to study those specific locations. Although you are only taking these tests as a practice exercise, you should still prepare for them. With preparation, you will have the best analysis of the test and be able to learn the most from taking them.
3. Study for SAT subject tests. The requirements of these tests vary depending on the specific school that you are applying for. Depending on these requirements, you are allowed to take up to three subject tests on exam day. Usually these are available on the same day as the traditional SAT exam so you will not be able to take them at the same time. Most of the exams that require a listening aspect of the testing, usually language related exams, are normally only held once a year in November. By planning ahead for these tests, you will be able to take the ones that will help you the most with your entrance to college.
4. Find what you’re good at. This is a great time to start deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life, if you don’t already know. College moves quickly, and before you know it you will be ready to begin your major with no clue as to what you want to major in. Also, by planning ahead and deciding your major early, you will have an easier time finding the right college to attend. Some schools offer strengths in certain areas, but not so much in others. Deciding on a college that is strong for the major that you intend to go after can be extremely beneficial.
5. Develop your resume. Spend some time adding those volunteer and community activities that you will need in order to qualify for some scholarships. Most scholarships are very competitive, so the more volunteer items and experience that you have on your resume, the better. Also, some colleges expect these items as part of the application process. You should look into the specific school of your choice in order to make sure that you are meeting and exceeding all the requirements that have been set in place to be admitted to the college. By adding these items early, you will have an easier time adding items which will make your resume stand out amongst the competition.
6. Decide on a college. This year, especially during the summer before your senior year, is a good time to begin visiting colleges. By actually making the trip to the campus, you will be able to learn more about what campus life will be like for that specific college as well as other vital information about classes and what you can expect while attending college at this location.
Beginning your planning at this point is essential and will help lower your stress level when you are a senior. You will have plenty of time to plan essays, fill out admission papers, look for scholarships and keep up with all college admission deadlines. Planning ahead is the best way to ensure that you are accepted into your school of choice and to learn all of your options as well.
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