Junior year checklist of activities

Adapted from Learnmore.org’s “need to know” web resource

Fall

  • Set up an appointment with your ETS high school counselor to:
    • discuss CORE 40 academic monitoring
    • complete an interest assessment
    • receive Skillstutor access, if applicable 
    • find out about upcoming ETS activities/workshops
  • Complete your electronic portfolio (e profile) online for FREE.
  • If you have not done so already, complete Making it Count to determine a sound strategy for college financial planning.
  • Explore your options and start learning about apprenticeships, college and the military.
  • Talk with your school counselor about your plans for the future. 
  • Visit college campuses on weekends or during school breaks.
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT to prepare for the SAT and to potentially qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program. Take PLAN to prepare for the ACT.  Contact ETS for details.
  • Meet college representatives that visit your high school in the fall.  Your school counselor will have a schedule of visits.
  • Register for spring ACT and SAT testing.

Spring

  • Set up an appointment with your ETS high school counselor to find out about upcoming ETS activities/workshops and potential summer academic enrichment programs.
  • Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and complete the FAFSA forecaster online application for financial aid.  This will provide a snapshot of eligibility for financial aid when you formally apply to colleges next year.
  • Schedule rigorous classes for your senior year–including math classes.
  • Apply for scholarships.
  • Check now with your school counselor about summer programs in sports, arts or academics.
  • Write a résumé and then use it to find a summer job. 

Summer

  • Visit college campuses. Don’t forget to talk to admissions counselors about what you should do during your senior year to seal the deal at the college of your choice.
  • Go the extra mile at work so you can ask your supervisor for a recommendation at the end of the summer.
  • Shadow a career you like. Job shadowing is a great way to see what a career is all about.