Junior Year Preparation and Checklist

This year the college search process begins in earnest.  Exploration and testing should help you and your child to start developing a list of target schools by spring.  Poor grades will not be as easily forgiven as those from previous years, and colleges will look for commitment and accomplishment outside of the classroom.

 

One of the best places you can begin to plan for your educational needs after high school is at Lehigh Carbon Community College.  LCCC sponsors a college night every year, usually the third Wednesday in October.  More than 150 colleges, technical schools and universities as well as representatives of the military recruiting services attend this event. It is an excellent opportunity to gather basic information about schools that fit into your future educational plans.

 

Keep in mind that your junior year is the last complete set of grades that the college or technical school admission committee will see on your transcript.  Your junior year rank and GPA are two very important pieces of information on your applications.  You will be applying during the first semester of your senior year and your senior grades are generally not yet available to the admissions people.

September:

___Read the Guidance Happenings

___Contact the guidance office about information and registration for the PSAT

___Contact the guidance office about college nights/fairs in the area and college representatives’ visits to the school

___Encourage your child to attend fairs and sessions with college representatives at school

___Obtain a Social Security number for your child, if you have not previously done so

October:

___Read the Guidance Happenings

___Mark the date for the PSAT on your calendar

___Remind your child to read the PSAT Student Bulletin and to try the practice questions and practice test

___Schedule a trip to visit colleges

___Are first semester classes going well?

November:

___Read the Guidance Happenings

December:

___Read the Guidance Happenings

___Questions about PSAT scores?  Contact the guidance office

___Evaluate different SAT prep options, as needed

___Begin thinking about possible target colleges, with test results in mind

___Take an preliminary look at financial aid forms just to see what you’ll need by this time next year

January:

___Read the Guidance Happenings

___Evaluate academic progress so far.  Are grades up to par?  Are course levels on target?  Do study habits need improvement?

___Is your child participating in extracurricular activities?  If not, reevaluate.

___Mark projected SAT I test dates on calendar.  Also mark registration deadlines.

___Begin thinking about worthwhile summer plans (job, study, camp, volunteer work, travel, etc.)

February:

___Read the Guidance Happenings

___Mark projected SAT I test dates on calendar.  Also mark registration deadlines.

___Discuss possible course selections for next school year

March:

___Read the Guidance Happenings

___Consider and plan spring vacation college visits

___Begin listing target colleges in a “college” notebook

___Visit college websites.  Start calling, writing or e-mailing target colleges to request publications

___Mark projected SAT I test dates on calendar.  Also mark registration deadlines.

___Register for May AP exams with the guidance office, if appropriate

___Oversee registration for next fall’s classes and activities.  Urge your child to select the most challenging classes possible.

April:

___Read the Guidance Happenings

___Mark projected SAT I test dates on calendar.  Also mark registration deadlines.

May/June:

___Read the Guidance Happenings

___Finalize summer plans

___Develop a summer reading list

Summer:

___Make sure your child has a job or participates in constructive activities throughout the summer.  Summer study, jobs and volunteer work always rate high with admission officials.

___Consider and plan summer and fall college visits

___Request publications for additional target colleges

___Plan and execute supplemental submissions such as audition tapes and art slides/portfolios, if required and/or appropriate

___If your child has a career goal in mind, help organize a “shadow day” where he or she spends time with someone at work in that field.

___The Internet provides excellent college entrance information.  Summer is a good time for students to check out some of the many sites available and bookmark favorites, without jeopardizing homework time.

___Review and update target college list.  Include pros and cons.  Make tentative plans for all visits.