11th Grade College & Career Planning
It's never too early to prepare!
Take a few minutes to explore these tips and ideas, and then combine them with the input you receive from your counselor, teachers and friends/family. Then work hard, do well, have fun, plan for the future, and contribute to your school community. You will find that you will be prepared to immerse yourself in all that college has to offer.
Summer Before Junior Year
- Visit as many colleges as possible
- Prepare for the SAT/ACT
Fall/Winter of Junior Year
- Take challenging academic courses
- Maintain as high grades as possible
- Stay involved
- Attend college fairs
- Create email account specifically for college/career research
- Start early - learn about financial aid, and how the EFC (Expected Family Contribution) works. Visit Federal Student Aid at studentaid.ed.gov
- Generate list of 10-20 colleges and contact admission offices for information.
- Research scholarships
- Draft a resume
- Review graduation/credit requirements to make sure you are on track
- Interested in college athletics? Consult with your athletic director/coaches to determine if you are a qualified candidate and begin the certification process. For more information go to www.ncaa.org
Spring/Summer of Junior Year
- Review regular vs early action/decision application deadlines
- Attend college fairs/financial aid nights/college planning workshops
- Interested in the military? Contact a recruiter to learn more
- Consider who to ask for recommendation letters
- Search for summer enrichment/pre college programs
- Pace yourself. Don't spend so much time trying to improve standardized test scores that your grades and involvement in activities suffer. Find and maintain balance.
- Narrow down your list of colleges to 8-10. Make sure these are a right match for you.
- Visit the three colleges at the top of your list.
- Decide if you will apply by early or regular application deadlines and begin preparing your application materials.
- Complete a rough draft of your college essay.
- If applicable, start assembling an art portfolio if you plan on applying to a visual or performing arts major of study.