What To Expect for College Prep Going Into My Junior Year?

​It's a question that we often hear this time of year as school starts back up again, and students - even though only just starting their third year of high school - begin looking to what comes next.

Junior year is the crux of the process in terms of (1) grades, and (2) the real, solidified steps into college preparations.

If you haven't yet, we ask that students begin to pull together their resume. This could be a list or a journal (it certainly does not have to be formal), but it should be something for you to begin listing your abilities, your work, your passions, any volunteering. This also serves as a map of sorts when it comes to looking at what you want to focus on in the next year or so... an internship? A different job? An art class outside of the regular school day?

Then, create a separate log or list will begin to draft what you are - at least initially - looking for in a college or university. What will you want to study? Where may you want to be? How does your character begin to line up with your preferences? 

Learning about colleges is a basic step as well, but not simply looking at websites and marketing materials. We urge students to chat with students who are currently in college (family members, co-workers, etc) to get their authentic feel for how college life is for them. Review with teachers, guidance counselors, and ask a LOT of questions. In the fall, students can also consider taking an informal (self-guided) tour of a campus. Walking a local campus - even one that you may have limited interest in - helps in shaping just what you are looking for when it comes to a school you'll have a high level of interest in. You'll know what to look for, what to ask, the pros and cons of each in moving forward.

Check in with your high school in the first few weeks back from the summer -- will they be hosting a college night? A college fair? Will college reps be visiting?

The PSAT will be in October. Make sure that you have been formally registered. Do your very best, but know that while it is a good step towards standardized testing, it really has no bearing on how you'll do on the SAT/ACT.

Lastly, know that it's never to early to begin estimate any financial aid need. A terrific resource is the College Board’s "Getting Financial Aid" as well as their financial aid calculator .

Let Leonard Andrew Consulting know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns with any of this! If we can help you in any way let us know. You can send us an email by clicking here.