FOR JUNIORS

COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE
COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE
FOR JUNIORS

There are lots of things to consider when planning for college. That's why we have provided some college planning fundamentals to get you started in your educational journey. Knowing that planning for college takes time and effort, we have put together a detailed guide to keep you on track starting in your junior year of high school. 

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?

THE BIG GUIDE is a free detailed informational guide to start early on planning for college.

HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS

GET A HEAD START

Don't leave all the planning to your senior year.  Get a jumpstart now so your senior year is more fun and less stressful.  College is a significant decision. Begin at your own pace and work towards what suits you best. Start now to ensure success. View this brief video for the highlights on how to get a great start.

HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS
GET A HEAD START

Don't leave all the planning to your senior year.  Get a jumpstart now so your senior year is more fun and less stressful.  College is a major decision.  Take your time, start now to get it right for you!  View this brief video for the highlights on how to get a great start.

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FALL | JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

You are off to a great start building up your academic skills, joining extracurricular actives and maybe trying out a new sport. Now it's time to get serious about planning and preparing for college.

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER - JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

Attend College Fairs

Visit admissions representatives from several local and out-of-state colleges and universities to get a feel of which schools could be the right fit for you.

OCTOBER

OCTOBER - JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

Check-in with guidance counselors to confirm that your class courses are on track for college admissions.

  • Register and take the PSAT/PLAN.  
  • Prepare to take ACT/SAT in the spring.
NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER - JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

Many start to compile a college list, thinking about academics, affordability, location, and size.

WINTER | JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

DECEMBER

DECEMBER - JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

  • Get excited! Your PSAT scores should be arriving soon.
  • Attend college planning events offered at your school.
JANUARY

JANUARY - JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

  • Work with a Guidance Counselor to set your senior schedule. Enroll in one to two classes that are a bit more challenging.
  • Narrow down the list of factors important to you in your college search.
FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY - JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

  • Students should start asking teachers for recommendation letters.
  • Choose teachers that you know you work well with.

SPRING | JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

MARCH

MARCH - JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

  • Attend College Fairs
  • Start researching colleges online.
  • Spring break is a great time to begin planning college visits. Include a variety of colleges, large and small, to see which type is the best fit.
APRIL

APRIL - JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

  • Register for June/August SATS if needed.
  • Develop a list of colleges that interest you. Go online and request additional information about the college.
  • Make a list of deadlines and identify what you will need to meet.
MAY

MAY - JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

  • Take the advanced placement exams and SAT/ACT if you have not done so.
  • Consider lining up a summer job and volunteering to add to your senior resume.

SUMMER | JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

JUNE

JUNE - JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE

  • Consider enrolling in an academic course at a local college, pursuing a summer school program, or volunteering.
  • If you start a summer job, save money for college.
  • Ask at least two teachers for letters of recommendation and provide them with your resume for reference.
  • Register for the commonapp.org
JULY & AUGUST

JULY & AUGUST - JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINEX600_OPTIMIZED

  • Polish up your resume.
  • Start assembling a portfolio of writing samples, artwork, music, or audition videos. 
  • Consider volunteering or job shadowing to explore careers.
  • Contact coaches at college if you are interested in participating in athletics or think you may be able to receive an athletic scholarship.
  • Attend local College Fairs.  They are an excellent opportunity to talk with several admissions representatives all in one place without taking a long road trip.

THE COLLEGE PLANNING CENTER

Tips from our College Planning Experts.


THE COLLEGE PLANNING CENTER

Junior Timeline Tips from our College Planning Experts.

TOOLS & RESOURCES

KNOWLEDGE FOR COLLEGE
ENTER TO WIN $2,000 SCHOLARSHIP

Visit our Knowledge for College Scholarship page to learn more and enter today!

EVENTS
UPCOMING VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON EVENTS

A free service offered by RISLA's College Planning Center.

RISCHOLARSHIPS.ORG
SEARCH FOR FREE SCHOLARSHIPS

Look for hundreds of hard-to-find local scholarships.

Get started with your scholarship search today!

QUESTIONS
SCHEDULE A FREE APPOINTMENT

Do you have questions about college planning?  We are here to help you prepare, plan, and pay for college.

RISLA PRODUCTS & SERVICES

COLLEGE PLANNING CENTER

Students and families can be overwhelmed with planning and how to pay for college.  We have experienced counselors that offer one on one assistance helping families understand all their options start to finish.

EDUCATION LOANS

We have been offering low cost, fix rate education loans for almost 30 years.  Helping students and families borrower responsibly to help achieve their higher education dreams.

REFINANCE

Refinancing may help you simplify and save when repaying student loans.  Combining outstanding balances, and securing a low interest rate with RISLA may reduce your overall repayment amount and possibly your monthly payment.

EMPLOYER REPAY

Employer Student Loan Repayment assistance is a tax-free benefit allowing employers to contribute towards the repayment of employee student loans.  This newest in-demand employee benefit helps reduce financial stress for employees while increasing retention and loyalty to employers.