Teachers Preparatory High School

Junior year usually marks a turning point. This is because for most students and families, it’s when college planning activities kick into high gear. Here are some things you can do this year to give you the best options.

Fall

Make sure you meet with your school counselor. This meeting is especially important this year as you start to engage in the college application process. Learn more about the counselor's role in applying to college.

Set goals for yourself for the school year. Working toward specific goals helps to stay motivated and focused.

Stay organized. Make weekly or monthly to-do lists to keep on top of the tasks required to get ready for applying to colleges. For more time-management tips, see 8 Ways to Take Control of Your Time.

Get ready for the PSAT/NMSQT in October. This is a preliminary test that helps students practice for the SAT and assess their academic skills. Juniors who score well on the test are also eligible for scholarship opportunities. Find out more about the PSAT/NMSQT.

Winter

Review PSAT/NMSQT results. Your score report comes with a free SAT study plan. This online, customized plan is based on your test scores and can help you work on areas that need improvement. Learn more about this individualized SAT study plan.

Prepare for college admission tests. Many juniors take college admission tests, such as the SAT and the ACT, in the spring so they can get a head start on planning for college.

Discuss taking challenging courses next year. Taking college-level or honors courses as a senior can help you prepare for college work — and these are also the courses that college admission officers like to see.

Consider taking SAT Subject Tests. Many colleges require or recommend taking these tests to get a sense of your skills in a certain academic area. In general, it’s best to take a Subject Test right after taking the relevant course. Learn more about SAT Subject Tests.

Spring

Start your college search. Once you have an idea of the qualities you is looking for in a college, enter these criteria into College Search to create a list of colleges to consider applying to.

Begin to research scholarships. This form of financial aid provides money for college that doesn’t need to be repaid. Learn more through College Board’s Scholarship Search.

Attend college fairs and financial aid events. These events allow you to meet with college representatives and get answers to questions. You can ask the school counselor how to find events in your area. Check out the College Fair Checklist for more information.

Make summer plans. Summer is a great time to explore interests and learn new skills — and colleges look for students who pursue meaningful summer activities. Check some out here:  summer learning programs or find a job or internship.

Begin to visit colleges. Make plans to check out the campuses of colleges you is interested in. Use the Campus Visit Checklist to learn how to get the most out of these experiences.

Summer

• Visit colleges. If you haven’t already, make plans to check out the campuses of colleges you are interested in. Use the Campus Visit Checklist to learn how to get the most out of these experiences.
• Start to finalize a college list. Weighing how well each college meets your needs, for example. Find out more about how to finalize a college list.
• Find out a college’s actual cost. Once you have a list of a few colleges he or she is interested in, use the Net Price Calculator together to find out the potential for financial aid and the true out-of-pocket cost — or net price — of each college.
• Get started on applications. You can get the easy stuff out of the way now by filling in as much required information on college applications as possible. Read about how to get started on applications.
• Think about applying early action or early decision. If you are  set on going to a certain college, think about whether applying early is a good option. Now is the time to decide because early applications are usually due in November. Read about the pros and cons of applying early.

Also be sure to check out the College Action Plan: 12th Grade link to see what else to expect next year!

ACT vs. SAT

All SC students in their third year of high school will take EITHER the ACT or the SAT during a school day second semester.  Which one should you choose?  How can you prepare?  See the links and information below to aid in your decision-making process.

ACT Booklet PDF: ACT Student Booklet, WhyTakeTheACT?

ACT Test Prep Tips: ACT Test Prep

Explanation of ACT Scores: Using Your ACT Results

SAT Booklet PDF: SAT Student Booklet

SAT Test Prep Tips: SAT Test Prep through Khan Academy

        ACT Academy (Practice): ACT Practice through ACT Academy

Prepare for College Application Essays

Check out these articles with tips on writing a great essay for your college applications!