Grade 11 Guidance

Junior Year Calendar
August
  • Review your high school course work and activity plans
  • Keep in mind that colleges look for the following:
    • challenging coursework
    • a strong GPA
    • involvement in extracurricular activities such as sports, volunteer work, or church
  • Obtain a Social Security number. You will need it to apply for college and financial aid.
  • Sign up for Educaid's free monthly e-mail College Bound Newsletter at www.educaid.com or www.collegeboard.com
 September
  • Identify the sources of college and career information at your school. Start looking through guidance publications, catalogs, guidebooks, and websites.
  • Choose 10 colleges that you would like to investigate. Plan to apply to 3-5 of these.
  • Talk to your guardians and counselors about your choices of schools.
  • Study and register for the PSAT.
  • Check for dates and locations of college fairs and parent nights in your local area.
 October
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT. Remember your calculator.
  • Attend college fairs and financial aid/parent nights.
  • Register on www.collegeclub.com/highschool.
  • Find out what college visits your school may be sponsoring and plan on going to 3 that interest you.
November
  • Remember to look at the NCAA website if you are an athlete thinking about Division I or II sports.
  • Look into federal and private student loans at www.educaid.com or by calling 1-800-578-1233.
 December
  • Your PSAT/NMSQT score report should arrive. Use the enclosed guide to interpret and understand your scores.
  • Start planning to take the SAT I and/or SAT II. You may also need or want to take an ACT. Check with the colleges you are applying to and find out specific testing requirements. Ask your high school counselor about registration deadlines.
 January
  • Of the 3-5 schools you wish to apply, request an interview and/or overnight visit.
  • During college visits, make sure you meet with an admissions representative and a financial aid officer to find out what types of aid are available.
  • Attend financial aid night.
February
  • Begin investigating private scholarships and other student aid programs.
  • Register at www.fastweb.com.
  • Register and study for SAT I or II and/or ACT exams.
 March
  • Continue to investigate outside funding
  • Study and register for the SAT/ACT if you have not already done so.
  • Register at www.educaid.com if you have not done so along with www.collegeboard.com
April
  • Begin scheduling visits to each of the 3-5 schools that are on the final list.
  • Consider taking AP courses and exams.
  • Study for the SAT exam or take a prep course.
  • Begin preparing essays for college admissions and scholarship applications. Really try to have the essays complete by the end of summer before your senior year.
  • Be sure to challenge yourself as you register for senior courses - particularly in math and science.
May
  • Take the SAT (I and II) and/or ACT.
  • From early to mid-May, Advanced Placement (AP) exams are given.
  • Be aware of test dates and registration deadlines. You may also take tests during your senior year.
  • Continue compiling information to find out which organizations award scholarships to graduating seniors in order to prepare early.
  • Schedule an appointment with your guidance counselor to help with senior year planning.
 June
  • Take the SAT and/or ACT if you did not take them last month.
  • Read a variety of books and magazines to review your math and reading skills during the summer to assist you with the SATs in the fall.
  • Obtain a summer job that might be related to your career interest.
  • Save some of your summer job money for college.
  • During summer travel, visit as many college campuses as possible.
 July
  • Important numbers: Educaid 1-800-578-1233, also www.educaid.com.
  • Write your college essay.
  • Update your resume and portfolio.
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