Junior Checklist
Fall (September-November)
______/ Start your junior year by registering for and taking the PSAT.______/ Pick a new extracurricular activity or after school club or apply for a leadership position for a club you are currently in.
______/ To earn the top Bright Futures scholarship you must earn 100 community service hours by the end of your Senior year.
______/ Explore colleges and programs. Take a deeper look at schools by region, sizes, and academic majors. Use online college searches on www.collegedata.com and www.collegeboard.org.
______/ Start focusing on a college/program plan. Create an organization system for all of your college documents.
______/ Fill out and completeyour college/program applicationsbefore the deadlines.
______/ Explore your prospective schools’financial aid requirementsto plan your budget with your parents or guardian.
______/ Make a test preparation plan to study for the ACT and SAT. Free online resources are at www.collegeboard.org and www.actstudent.org.
______/ Attend college visits on MSA campus when available.
Winter (December-February)
______/ Study hard! Earning good grades during your Junior year is a strong factor for college admissions decisions.______/ Research college/program costs and tuition at different types of schools (Four Year University, Community College, Vo/Tech, etc.). Think about saving money by finding post-secondary options close to home.
______/ Start making campus visits to prospective colleges. Did you know these are excused absences if you provide proof of a college visit?
______/ Register for and take the ACT and SAT.
______/ If you plan to enter the military sign up to take the ASVAB on the MSA campus.
Spring (March-May)
______/ Did you qualify for dual enrollment? Congratulations! Submit your SCF application and course request to the guidance office.______/ Construct a strong senior schedule.
______/ Meet with Mrs. Fitzpatrick to discuss College/Military/Vo-Tech plans.
______/ Research admissions requirements for colleges and programs.
______/ Contact college/program admissions representatives to inquire about institution specific financial aid and scholarships.
______/ Narrow down your college choices to 5 to 8 schools.
______/ Millions of dollars in scholarships go unclaimed every year. Start your scholarship search at sites such as www.fastweb.com and www.collegeboard.org.
______/ If applicable, prepare for your college/scholarship essays.
______/ Schedule and attend your college/program orientation.
Summer (June – August)
______/ Find a summer job to expand your experiences and earn money for college.
______/ If applicable, begin working on your college/scholarship application essays.
______/ Standardized testing season is coming again. Are you prepared to re-take the ACT and SAT your Senior year? Work on test preparation.
______/ Continue visiting colleges/programs that interest you.