Junior Year To Do List

Junior year is a big year when it comes to getting ready for college and other education after high school. This Junior Year to do list will keep you on track!

a person's hand on a blank notebook in front of a laptop. In their other hand they hold a pen

This is the first year you get more options in your high school schedule and this is the most important year for grades. Colleges weigh your junior year grades the heaviest, because they are the most recent ones the colleges will look at when they start reviewing your application. They are also looking to see that you’re challenging yourself to take the most interesting and challenging classes available to you.

No matter what education path you want to follow after high school, junior year is important for academics as well as exploring your options after high school. 

A few specific things for your Junior year to do list are:

  • Get the highest grades you can in all your classes, especially your most challenging academic classes
  • Take the PSAT in October – this will help you know what to expect when you take the SAT or ACT in the spring
  • Make or update a resume
  • Start thinking seriously about what type of education you want after high school and researching your options. 
  • If possible, visit colleges or programs you are interested in to get a feel for if they seem like a good fit for you and ask the questions you have. You can do a lot of research online, but if you have the opportunity to visit, do it! School field trips and visits with your family are both good ways to visit.
  • Take the SAT or ACT in March or April – your school may offer a day for testing for all juniors, if they do not, you can register online (and you can get a fee waiver from your school counselor if you need it). Take the SAT or ACT if it’s offered even if you’re not sure if you want to apply to a four year college. This way, you’ll have it if you need it. There are some other benefits such as the possibility of avoiding placement tests at two year colleges and graduating with an SAT or ACT score instead of state testing.
  • Line up a summer job or internship
  • Make sure you’re on track to have a full schedule of classes senior year to keep you on track to have all your education options after high school open to you
  • Develop a list of colleges or other programs you are interested in

By Jennie Flaming