For Juniors

College Planning TImeline.
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Junior year marks a turning point.

While most of your college applications will be completed and submitted during your senior year of high school, your junior year is crucial to college planning. There are many factors to consider when preparing for college. To help you get started on your educational journey, we’ve provided some essential college planning tips. Since preparing for college takes time and effort, we have created a detailed guide to keep you on track beginning in your junior year of high school.

We are here to assist you at every step. Contact our college planning experts for a free consultation.

Fall Junior College Planning Timeline

You are making great progress in building your academic skills, participating in extracurricular activities, and possibly trying a new sport. It’s now time to focus on planning and preparing for college.

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September

Attend College Fairs

Meet with admissions representatives from various local and out-of-state colleges and universities to determine which schools may be the best fit for you.

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October

Get Informed

Check-in with your guidance counselors to confirm that your courses meet college admissions requirements. Is there a college night planned for students and their families? When will college representatives be visiting your school? Add dates to your calendar!

  • Register and take the PSAT/PLAN.  
  • Prepare to take the ACT/SAT in the Spring.
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November

College List

Many students create a college list considering academics, affordability, location, and size. Consult friends, family members, teachers, and recent graduates from your school who are now in college. Make a list of the college features that interest you.

Winter Junior College Planning Timeline

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December

Get Excited!

Your PSAT scores are on their way and this is an important moment for your academic journey. Don’t miss out on valuable college planning events available at your school to help you prepare and succeed!

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January

Meet with High School Counselor

Collaborate with a High School Counselor to establish your senior schedule. Enroll in one to two classes that are slightly more challenging. Begin to narrow down the important factors for your college search.
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February

Open to Possibilites

To find the best college for you, it's important to apply to a range of colleges with different levels of selectivity. Selective colleges accept only a portion of the students who apply, with some being highly selective and others less so. Be sure to include a mix of public and private institutions and in-state and out-of-state schools to make sure you have plenty of options.

Spring Junior College Planning Timeline

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March

SAT & ACT

Take the SAT. The test is generally offered in March, May, and June. Be sure to start preparing for the test several months in advance.
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April

Plan a Road Trip

Discover if the colleges on your list are right for you! Visiting colleges is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about yourself and your aspirations, helping you find institutions that truly align with your goals.

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May

Recommendation Letters

As you prepare for school applications this fall, consider contacting teachers, coaches and mentors for recommendation letters now! This proactive approach gives them plenty of time to craft thoughtful recommendations and eases your mind when the application season begins. Start building those connections today, and set yourself up for success!

Summer Junior College Planning Timeline

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June

Summer Job

How about exploring a full-time or part-time job or diving into an exciting summer camp or college program? It's a fantastic way to boost your skills and experiences!
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July

Create Your Resume

Create a compelling résumé that showcases your academic achievements, highlights your extracurricular activities, and details your work experiences since freshman year. This will reflect your skills and dedication, opening doors to exciting opportunities ahead!

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August

Register

  • Remember! Before completing your FAFSA, you need to create your FSA ID—a username and password that will make the process smooth and enjoyable!
  • Register for the commonapp.org
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The Big Guide

Offers free tools and resources, a timeline to help parents and students stay on track, as well as financial aid guidance for FAFSA and FSA ID.

Jump in, Juniors!

Don't wait until your senior year to start planning. Begin now so that your last year of high school is more enjoyable and less stressful. Choosing a college is a significant decision, so take your time and find what works best for you. Start today to set yourself up for success. Watch this brief video to learn the key steps for getting a great start.
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    A free service aimed at helping students achieve their goal of attending college and paying for it. The CPC assists thousands of students and families each year in planning for higher education.

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