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If you’re a high school junior, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the college applications process. We’re here to help you stay organized and on track for a smooth senior year, without the last-minute stress that sounds something like, “I wish I had done this during junior year instead of cramming it all into my senior year.” Let’s take a look at some of the first things to tackle this spring.
Schedule your SAT or ACT exam. It can be intimidating to set a date for your first standardized test, but keep in mind that you can retake either one as many times as you need to, so try not to put it off. Once you receive your scores, you’ll have a better idea of which areas to focus on improving for next time, whether that is by hiring a tutor or buying test prep books to work through at your own pace.
Take challenging classes. One benefit of AP or Dual Enrollment classes is that you can earn college credits while you’re still in high school without paying college tuition. As a bonus, graduating high school with a few college credits under your belt will allow more time to explore interesting classes or electives while you’re in college. Talk to your guidance counselor about which options would be the best fit for you.
Take on a leadership role. Are you involved in an extracurricular activity? If not, now is the time to join. Be selective in your activities by prioritizing the things that are most important to you. Those will be different for each person, whether it is a school club or organization, volunteering, or a job. You don’t have to be the best at something to take the initiative. Does your school club need new supplies? Head up a fundraising event. Does your volunteer group need a team leader for a certain project? Offer to lead or co-lead it. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to take on the role of a leader in some way.
Narrow down your list of colleges. Do you learn best in a large lecture or a small, intimate seminar? Are school sporting events or on-campus social activities important to you? Does the campus atmosphere fit your personality? You can answer these questions by visiting your prospective colleges and experiencing the campus culture for yourself. Alternatively, you can attend college fairs, information sessions, and panels in your area. Be sure to keep a notebook with your list of pros and cons for each school, so that you can refer back to them as you decide where to apply.
Apply for scholarships. You don’t have to wait until senior year to start applying for grants and scholarships! At Scholarships.com, we are constantly updating our database to bring you scholarships year-round. Be sure to keep your profile information updated, so that you are ready to apply when new scholarships become available.