Junior Year Planning Guide

• Fall
• Spring
• Summer

Fall

• Start with you: Make a list of your abilities, social/cultural preferences, and personal qualities. List things you may want to study and do in college. Logging into your Naviance account and taking career and personal surveys are helpful tools.
• Learn about colleges. Look at their websites and find colleges at BigFuture-CollegeBoard
• I will meet with my counselor and double-check my progress on my PGP, and rededicate myself to doing my very best in my pursuit in my chosen endorsement.
• I will enroll in rigorous classes to include OnRamps, AP and Dual Credit classes. I will study diligently and prepare myself to pass my AP exams with a 3, 4 or 5. Check out what college classes may receive credit for passing AP exams at AP CollegeBoard – click on to Put AP to work for you, then click on AP Credit Policy database under “Earn College Credits” and follow the instructions.
• I will continue to check out college websites and request college brochures and catalogs.
• I will visit a few college/university campuses that I am interested in attending. While I am there, I will talk to a few random students to get their take on what they like about the college/university and what they don’t like about it; AND I will have a meal in the cafeteria.
• I will meet with my counselor and check my transcript and GPA for accuracy, and determine my class rank. I will also check to make sure I have completed all of my EOC’s and prepare for any that I may not have passed yet. Check and see if there are any tutorial classes I can take to help me pass.
• I will take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) – only Junior results can qualify you for scholarships. Use the exam results to highlight any areas that need further study before taking the SAT. There’s more information on the test at SAT Suite of Assessments
• If I don’t already have one, I will consider getting a job to help me save for college and learn valuable skills to help me be successful in my career.
• I will continue to add recognitions, awards, volunteer experiences, etc. to my portfolio. Also starting to get letters of recommendations.
• If I am interested in attending a military academy, I will begin the process by talking to my counselor.
• I will write the first draft of my resume. I will include employment history, volunteer work, classes, and hobbies. I will have my counselor or an English teacher to review it and make suggestions for improvement.
• If I hope to qualify for an athletic scholarship, I will visit the coaches at my potential college. 

Spring

• I will plan to submit my college applications by October. I will make a timeline to guarantee all the pieces will be completed in time.
• I will go to Apply Texas and begin the process of applying for early admission.
• I will take the SAT and/or ACT exams if I haven’t already taken it or if I want to retake the exam. (MAKE SURE YOU INDICATE THAT YOU WANT TO APPLY TO 4 COLLEGES FOR FREE when you take the exam.) Taking the exam early allows me to apply for early admission or early decision as well as providing time to retake the exam(s) if desired. Information can be found at SAT CollegeBoard for the SAT and ACT Student for the ACT.
• I will research financial aid information for the colleges I am considering. Go to BigFuture-CollegeBoard for some valuable information about financial aid and paying for college. (Remember to focus on the NET price, not the STICKER price.
• I will continue to sharpen my employability skills by working a job or volunteering for an organization.

Summer

• If I haven’t taken the SAT or ACT, I will do so now!
• I will visit another college campus and visit the department in which I plan to major; I will visit a class if possible.
• I will check to see if auditions are required at any of the colleges I am considering.
• I will continue reading for pleasure or check with the college I am considering to see if they have a recommended reading list and begin reading some of those books.
• I will consider enrolling in a college course – but I will first make sure the credits will transfer to my potential university before starting the course.
• I will consider and plan for the potential purchase of a computer or laptop if I don’t already have one.
• I will continue to consider possible careers and checking out the possibility of getting work experience through an internship. If I am working, I will get a recommendation from my supervisor.
• If I am a student-athlete, I will register for NCAA eligibility at NCAA.ORG
• Get your FSA ID: Before you can fill out your FAFSA, you need to get a username (also known as FSA ID).

• All Year

All Year

• I will support and participate with my child on the above goals.
• I will review my child’s PGP (Personal Graduation Plan) with my child, and help them renew their commitment to their program of study and/or endorsement choice.
• I will help my child find job-shadowing or volunteer opportunities related to their PGP. 
• I will attend a financial information night in the fall and any school events as often as possible.
• I will visit with my child’s teachers and/or the school counselor about any academic or behavioral concerns.
• I will help the school to prepare my child for this year’s End of Course (EOC) exams, if any, by communicating with the school about my child’s progress and monitoring his or her homework and test scores. I will also look at the expectations for each exam which can be found on the Texas Education Agency website at TEA.Gov
• I will visit college campuses with my son or daughter and take a tour of the campus. While there, we will visit the financial aids office and the department of the major that my son or daughter is considering.
• I will help my child maintain good attendance by getting them to school on time and promptly supplying written documentation when he or she is absent.
• I will begin or continue planning for my child’s college education and start or continue to contribute to a savings plan by:
  • Attending a college admissions workshop provided at the school.
  • Visiting websites such as Studentaid.gov
  • Visit MyTXFuture to compare college costs of attendance
  • Start saving for senior year expenses. It adds up fast!  $$$