Quick Checklist
may prep for HS juniors
Your final month before summer. Get everything ready to go so that you can jump start your college admission when you start your senior year.
Use this checklist to note those tasks that should be completed by the end of April:
- College Search Finished?
You should have completed your list of colleges that you would like to attend. Your college list should include a profile of college costs, admission requirements, and study programs.
There are three categories of schools you should list:
- 2-3 schools that you could definitely get in
- 4-5 schools that you could probably get in
- 7-8 schools that you would like to get in
You should budget on how much you can afford for application submission. If the application submission costs for 16 or more schools is too much, narrow your search to 3-3-3.
use our college search directory to begin
- Compare the colleges of your choice with each other. Complete a virtual tour of the campus.
view Junior-April plan - If you are going to college, you need to sit for exams that will start up in the Fall:
view winter months plan - Have you decided what you want to do after college?
It's not too late to start. Use our Fall Semester Plan to get going:
Review the College Application
september task for HS seniors
Time to get things ready for college admission. You will need to have the following items ready when you submit your application. So start early to avoid the last minute rush. Note application deadlines:
- Early Admission:
deadlines are in early November - Regular Admission:
deadlines are in January-February.
Key Elements of the Application
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College Application:
Request an application form from each of your colleges. You can find it online or request it from the school.
The package will include the application form, submission requirements (essays, transcripts and other) and self-addressed envelopes for the letters of recommendations.
Many schools use the COMMON application form for application submission. Using the COMMON application form saves you time from completing multiple application forms:
see form at commonapp.orgYou can save the COMMON application form online until you are ready to submit it electronically to participating schools
Or get the application from your school — link to your college to submit your application form online or to request a application packet:
use our college search directory for your school's web siteEarly Decision Note:
you need to decide if you are going to do early admission.If so, you will need to have your application completed and ready to submit between October and November of your senior year.
- The advantage of early decision is that you will know whether you have been accepted by early January.
- The disadvantage of early decision is that you may be legally bound to attend that school if you are accepted.
So decide on early decisions for schools that are your first choice.
College Essays:
Your college admissions application will most likely require 1- 2 essays. Use the weekends to write and edit your essays.
Note that the essay is an important decisional parameter for college admission. So take this seriously.
Essay resource and editing services:
use this resource to edit your essay — you will expert advice from professionals who are experts in college essay review
EssayEdge.comQuick view: essay writing tips and samples
College Recommendations:
Most college admissions require 1-2 recommendations from teachers and/or community leaders.
Select who should write your recommendation. Give the person plenty of time (about 3-4 weeks prior to your deadline).
Also provide them a short autobiography, a list of your outside activities, school transcript and a self-addressed envelope as instructed by your college.
Please note that the teacher works with hundreds of students. So give them plenty of time.
School Transcripts:
Double check your transcripts when you start your senior year. You will need to forward these transcripts to colleges for admission review.
Make sure you have the following:
- all grades are posted correctly
- all required courses for graduation are listed
- all required courses for college admittance are listed
It is important that these transcripts are correct and up-to-date. If not, meet with school administration to repair any errors.
Extracurriculars:
Take a swim, tennis, karate or other class over the fall semester (either with your school or community group). You want to show well-roundness in your application.
Just the right amount of studies (with good grades) and outside activities. Don't think that a lot of extracurricular activities are a must. You just need to show a balance.
How to build a well-rounded character?
FREE Download
Complete guide on discipline and character building. Has illustrations on the building blocks of success.
view our "building success" module
About College Exams
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College Entrance Exams:
Colleges require different college entrance exams. You need to check with your college to determine which exam to take.
Many students will sit for both exams to make sure they meet qualifications from all colleges.
When you register for exams, make sure test scores will be sent to your select colleges.
Discuss with your guidance counselor about the college entrance exams that will be administered this Fall. Don't miss the registration deadlines.
There are two types of exams:
- SAT:
SAT Reasoning
The SAT Reasoning Test is a three-hour test that measures a student's ability to reason problems instead of general knowledge. It has three sections: writing, critical reading, and math. Most of the questions are multiple-choice.
SAT Subject Tests
The SAT Subject Tests measure the student's knowledge in specific subjects: English, mathematics, history, science, and languages. SAT Subject Tests are primarily multiple-choice, and each lasts one hour.
more information: collegeboard.org
- ACT:
The ACT Assessment® is used by some colleges. The exam has four multiple-choice tests: English, reading, mathematics, and science reasoning.
more information: actstudent.org
Preparation Guides:
- PSAT (practice exams):
the PSAT is the test prep exam for the SAT tests. The PSAT is usually offered in October and November through your school. Check with your school counselor for dates.
see collegeboard.org for information
- ACT test preparation:
actstudent.org
- Kaplan Testing Services:
kaptest.com
- Buy college entrance exam prep books:
amazon: SAT exam prep
amazon: ACT exam prep
Plan College Campus Visits
may prep for HS juniors
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You should schedule time during the Summer months to visit your colleges of choice. Make the trip during a weekend or as a family event. These visits will give you a good indication whether or not you would like to attend.
Start with a virtual tour
this is good place to start prior to making an actual visit. See online videos of school campus and other virtual places:
campustours.com
or visit the college web site for a tour and map: college directory.
Tips When Visiting a Campus
Take notes and pictures when visiting a campus. This will help you make a comparison when it comes time to make a final decision:
- Plan to visit the college for a full day.
Attend when the school is in session, if possible. - Arrange an interview with the admission office
or other "campus visit" groups - Meet with the financial aid office
to get all related financial aid information offered by that school - When doing a visit,
check out the library, student unions, sporting facilities, and academic centers. Walk the campus to familiarize yourself with the layout. - Review housing facilities and dormitories
to determine whether to live on-campus or off-campus housing. Note the college rules for housing. Some colleges require first-time Freshmen to live in dormitories. - Schedule time to speak with students and faculty. Visit the clubs and societies that are part of the campus life. Check campus rules, safety programs, and facilities that maintain the safety of the campus.
- Drive around the surrounding
community
to familiarize yourself with restaurants, theaters, rec areas, job opportunities, etc.
Find a Summer Job
may prep for HS juniors
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Use the summer to raise money you will need for college. Money earned can be used for tuition, housing, transportation and for fun entertainment.
If you worked last summer with a job you liked, go back and see if you can work with them again this coming summer. Or try to find a different summer job that fits your career goals:
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jump over to our job center to search summer opportunities |
More Job Related Sites
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- Summer work programs:
Job listing for teens from many brand-name retail and other name companies:
snagajob.com
another posting of summer jobs:
summerjobs.com
job postings exclusively for teens:
teens4hire.org
- Internship Programs:
internships in your field of interest is a great way to get experience that will help you college
internships

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