11th Grade:
Junior year is crucial, this is the year that colleges put a lot of weight on, so it's extremely important to keep your grades up, challenge yourself academically, and really focus on your post-secondary research, when conducting your research, share your findings with your family, it's important to see all aspects of your research, and people's opinions can help explore that.
During your first semester, it is important to obtain the dates and forms for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams. It is a good idea to register for the PSAT, this can help prepare you for the SAT and qualifies you for the National Merit® Scholarship. Also, it is a good idea to finalize or narrow down which college(s) you want to go to, when doing this, keep into consideration your current GPA and other factors the college requires. You should also consider going to a college campus, our school allows a junior to miss one day of school to visit a campus--the absence is excused.
During the second semester of your junior year, you should continue the search for your ideal college, and begin thinking about possible career choices. There are many tests--for example, the ASVAB--that provide career information, and tell you what your strong qualities are. These kinds of tests can aid in giving you a better idea of what college/career suits you. Also, think about taking the ACT, if you already know you are going to take it, start studying, it's never to early to study for these kinds of tests. Towards the end of this year, you will make your senior year schedule, when doing so; pick classes that will help improve your transcript!
During the summer of your junior year, it's a good idea to get a job and do some volunteering; most colleges like to see these items, because it proves that you are
a well-rounded student. Also, go visit more colleges, this helps put things into perspective, and shows you if the college is right for you.
12th Grade:
Being only one year away from college, it is beneficial to start saving money and looking at scholarships. College is expensive, and saving/getting money can help you drastically. Be sure to keep studying, and avoid 'senioritis!'
During your fist semester, you should definitely narrow down which colleges you would like to go to, and you should take another look to see if you meet all/most of the requirements. Most early admissions are due by October 1st - November 1st, so make sure to get your letters of recommendation in time. If you have not taken the SAT/ACT by now, make sure you take it, first chance you get! Have the testing agency automatically send your scores to the college(s) of your choice. Before sending in your application--if you are doing early admissions--make sure to get someone else to read your essay/application, this can help spot any errors you have made.
When completing your second semester of senior year, be sure to look more in depth into scholarships and financial aid. Also, if you haven't already, it is a good time to have a meeting with your counselors and discuss basic information, ask any questions you have, and clear up any misunderstanding. After sending your application, you might want to call the admissions office and see if your information has reached appropriately.
Most colleges send their acceptance/declined letters around April 15th – May 1st; with this information, you should finalize your decision. Now, you are ready to start your college journey, good luck and don't forget to study hard!
-Abhyjit Kheepal