11th Grade - Junior Year
It is extremely important to maintain good grades in your junior year. You should also challenge yourself academically because colleges pay attention to the difficulty and diversity of your coursework. The more rigorous your high school curriculum is, the better prepared and more qualified you are for college. Continue to research careers that interest you and find colleges that suit your future goals.
General Things You Should Do This Year:
- Meet with your school counselor to:
- Review your academic record and strengthen any weaknesses or problem areas.
- Ensure that you are on track for high school graduation and college entrance requirements. Remember that different colleges have different requirements, so you will need to check with specific schools as you become interested in them.
- Enroll in honors, AP, and advanced courses, if possible.
- Take SAT preparation courses, or study for the SAT and/or ACT in the
College Test Prep section in CFNC.org's "Student Planner."
- Update your
High School Planner's grades, test scores, honors, awards, etc.
- Attend college fairs and college planning sessions with your parent or guardian.
- Attend financial aid information sessions at your high school or local college.
- Research specific schools: Check admissions requirements against your credentials and begin to determine realistic choices.
- Visit college campuses and meet with admissions officers. Remember to call ahead for an appointment.
- Watch for open house events at colleges you would like to visit.
- Review the online application process at CFNC.org.
- Continue saving for college and researching financial aid opportunities.
- Find out schedules and get registration forms for standardized tests, such as the PSAT, SAT I, SAT II: Subject Tests, and ACT.
- Take the PSAT in October (it's required for several national scholarships and is especially important for National Merit Scholarships).
- Student athletes should talk with their coaches about procedures to indicate interest in college-level athletics.
- Register for the SAT. Find out if any SAT II: Subject Tests are required by colleges you are considering.
- Register for and take the ACT, if desired.
- Take the SAT I and, if appropriate, take SAT II: Subject Tests. Colleges generally like to have at least two SAT I test scores.
- If you have a clear "first choice" college, decide if you are going to apply for early decision or early action. Be aware that if you are accepted for early decision, you are likely committing yourself to attend that school.
- Select courses for your senior year that strengthen your academic record and ensure that you meet College Entrance Requirements.
- Identify and ask teachers to write a letter of recommendation for your college applications and scholarships.
- Take the Advanced Placement exam for any AP course you have completed. If you score well, you may receive college credits.
- Check your transcript at the end of the year to make sure it is correct.
- Use spring break or summer vacation to tour college campuses. Have questions prepared in advance and take notes on your visits.
- Explore careers by taking a summer job or internship in your field of interest.