Juniors
What to Expect Junior Year
What to Expect Junior Year
Congratulations! You are half way done with high school, but it does not get any easier. Graduation is just around the corner and you need to think about what you are going to do after high school. Do you want college? A trade school? A certificate program? Military? A decision does not need to be made now, but having an idea will help you focus your efforts.
Things to do junior year:
- Continue to develop good study skills
- Continue to take the most challenging classes you can succeed in
- Continue to visit colleges and college fairs.
- Juniors receive one college visitation day that does not count against their attendance.
- Continue to visit colleges and college fairs.
- Take the PSAT and ASVAB.
- PSAT - it is a precursor to the SAT test that is used for college and tests in the three areas that are on the SAT: Verbal, Math, and Writiting. This will give students an idea of how he/she will do on the SAT, what areas strengths, and what areas are weak. Students who take this test will automatically apply for the National Merit Scholarship. The PSAT is given in October.
- ASVAB - This is the test that the military uses to help determine what job a person may have in the service. The test focus on areas in math, verbal, reading comprehension, auto mechanics, electronics and more. The higher the scores are the more options that are available to someone who is interested in the military.
What do I need to do for College?
What do I need to do for College?
Junior year is the most important year for college applications. It is the last time that you will be able to show colleges what you can do before you apply.
Explore what you want to do as a career - the only way you will know if the career is right for you is if you look into it.
Search for colleges that have what you are interested in. What to look for in a college?
- Does it have what the student is interested in studying?
- If the student has a few areas he/she is interested in look for colleges that have all of them.. This way if the student changes his/her mind they do not have to transfer schools.
- It is okay if the student does not know what he/she wants to study. Those students will take general education classes first and can continue to explore what they would like to major in. Some students will start at a local college to save money and then transfer to where they would like to go.
Take the ACT or SAT at least once your junior year.
How do I set up a college visit?
How do I set up a college visit?
Most colleges have a couple of ways to do this:
- Students can call the admissions office at the university
- Visit the website – there will be a form to fill out and the university will contact you with a confirmation about day and time
What is available on a college visit?
Students and parents are able to meet with an admission counselor in either a group or individual setting. A tour of the campus is also available.
*Ask to speak with the admission counselor who will be reading your application. It is a great idea for the admission counselor to get to know you because this could help with being admitted to the school and even for scholarship or financial aid.
Can I visit a class or meet with a professor?
Yes, but it depends on the availability of the class and the professor. By doing this, students are able to know more about the university than just the information available on the tour and meeting with the admission counselor.
Can I spend the night?
Yes. Most universities have students who are willing to be hosts for perspective students. There may be restrictions on days and time of year when this is available. Again, this is a great way to know about the university.
What do I see on the tour?
The tour should consist of visiting classrooms, residence halls, cafeterias, the recreational center, library, and any main focal point of the campus. Bring a camera along to take pictures to help know what each school offers.
What kind of questions should I ask on a college visit?
- How many students attend here?
- What are the most popular majors?
- What assistance is available for students who struggle?
- Are the residence co-ed, single sex, or both?
- What kind of extra-curricular activities are available?
- What are the different types of meal plans available?
- What do you like best/worst of the school?
- Make a list of questions to ask either the admissions counselor or tour guide
