Junior year is notoriously challenging for high school students. It is the year that many students first take more rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) college level courses, adding intense academic demands to their routines. It is often the year that students assume leadership positions in clubs or student organizations, putting more responsibility on their plates. And, the looming pressure that the grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities from this year are particularly crucial for college applications as it is the last full school year universities will have to evaluate is a constant presence. 

With this, many juniors in these final months of the school year are usually just focused on ending this year strong, assuming they will turn their attention to college applications in the fall of senior year. However, using this time to begin some of these steps now and throughout the summer allows students to engage in the application process much more thoughtfully, without the pressure of imminent deadlines. Counselors can share this information with students and families to encourage them to approach the intense college application process proactively and calmly–preventing last-minute crises in the fall. 

End of Junior Year Checklist

Develop and narrow your list of colleges that you might want to apply to: Really take time to explore the colleges that you want to apply to in the fall. College applications can be quite costly, so most students have to limit the number of schools to which they submit applications. As you develop your list, think carefully about the qualities you want in a school–including size of student body, how close it is to home, and academic programs that are of interest to you. Try to select a range of schools that include some that you are very likely to get in given GPA and test scores and some that may be a reach. This is a great time to do virtual or in-person campus visits, connect with students who attend specific colleges, and really think about what your hopes are for the next step after graduation. Once you have created your list, note each of their application deadlines so you are ready to go in the fall. 

Begin brainstorming and drafting college essays: College essays provide a wonderful opportunity to stand out in a large pool of applicants. The essay allows you to show an admissions committee who you are–well beyond test scores, grades, and resumes. It gives you space to showcase your personality, talk about your passions, and describe a unique character trait. Because the essay can make such a positive impact on the admissions process, it is very important not to rush through writing it at the last minute. Begin brainstorming ideas you might want to write about. You can then look at the common application essay prompts to see where these ideas might fit. Starting now means you have time for many rounds of review, getting feedback from others, and edits. 

Create and polish your resume: Taking part in extracurricular activities throughout high school is important, but it is also critical to be able to effectively convey the full array of these activities to college and scholarship admissions committees. One way this is done is in a resume, which documents your skills, experiences, and achievements. Start creating this now. Include formal and informal work experience; volunteer projects and community service; clubs, activities, and extracurricular involvement; any leadership positions; awards; and any special skills or industry certifications. Doing this now allows for time to think through things from early in high school that you may have forgotten. 

Research and create a list of scholarships to apply to: Oftentimes, applying for scholarships is something students think about after completing college applications. But many scholarships also have fall deadlines. Use a scholarship database or your school’s college and career readiness platform to search for scholarships that you might be eligible for. Also ask school counselors, family, and friends if any local organizations they or you are a part of offer scholarships. Compile a list that includes deadlines and requirements for applications. This will ensure you are ready and do not miss key opportunities to help fund your college costs. 

Think about who you will ask to write letters of recommendation: Many applications require you to submit letters of recommendations from a teacher, coach, mentor, or other adult in your life who can speak to your strengths and unique qualities. During the height of application season, many teachers and counselors are inundated with these requests. Take time now to brainstorm who you might want to ask. You may connect with them now and see if they would write a draft that they can then update as you submit specific college and scholarship applications. These letters can be a great way to strengthen applications, especially if you are thoughtful about who you ask and they have the time to truly write a letter personalized to you. 

Research and familiarize yourself with FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (also called FAFSA) is a really important step to get financial aid. The form is online and requires different steps and information from a variety of paperwork from your family. Though you cannot officially complete it for next school year until the fall (the one currently available is for this year’s seniors so do not fill it out yet), it can be very helpful to begin talking with your family about completing it, familiarizing yourself with the site, and reviewing the necessary documentation. Being ready to go once it is open means you will be able to maximize the amount of assistance you can get from the federal government and specific colleges and universities. 

The college application process is intense and overwhelming. Counselors can remind juniors that taking time in the coming weeks and through the summer to approach it thoughtfully and at a manageable pace can go far in making it a much less stressful experience. By starting early, students can ensure that they are applying to schools that truly align with their hopes and aspirations and create an application package that showcases their unique strengths–allowing application committees to genuinely see who they are and how they can contribute to a campus community. 

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