College Planning for Juniors
FALL
Evaluate your options: Make lists of your interests and abilities and write down things you may want to study and do in college. Decide whether you want to pursue full-time employment, further education or training (such as technical school, four-year or two-year college), or a military career.
Learn about colleges: Look at their websites and talk to friends and family, teachers and recent graduates of MHS. Make lists of what you want in a college. Sign-up for college visits during school. Each fall, 25-30 college representatives come to MHS to visit YOU. All you have to do is sign-up in the guidance office to get a pass and you can find out more about that school…no obligation! There are also some college fairs in our area eacjfall. If you want to get an early start, most colleges have fall open houses you can attend.
Take the PSAT: The PSAT/NMSQT will be given during the school day to juniors on Wednesday, October 19, 2016. If you need testing accommodations (because of an IEP), be sure the College Board has approved your eligibility ahead of time. This process can take weeks.
Keep on track: Keep up with your classes. Even if your grades haven’t been good so far, it’s not too late to improve. Colleges like to see improvement. Meet with your counselor, Mrs. McEntire, if you aren’t sure what classes to take.
Make a file: to manage your college search, testing and application materials. If needed, gather materials for a portfolio (for drama, music, art, sports, etc.)
NCAA: If you want to play Division I or II sports in college, start the certification process and check with your counselor to make sure you’re taking a core curriculum that meets NCAA requirements.
WINTER
Stay Involved: Colleges look for consistency in extracurricular activities. Taking on leadership roles and making a commitment to the same groups are more important than trying out tons of new activities each year.
Sign up: To take the college admission tests in the spring. You can register online at (use our school code: 392560) or pick up registration information in the guidance office. SAT fee waivers are available for students with financial need. Check out for free and affordable practice resources. The SAT is given October through June. If you don’t like your spring score, you can take it again in the fall. For information on the ACT, go to
Narrow your choices: Make sure you have all the information you need about the colleges you are interested in (entrance requirements, tuition, room and board costs, course offerings, student activities, financial aid, etc.). Then begin comparing schools by the factors that are most important to you. Keep a file for each college to easily locate your information.
Talk to your family: Have a discussion about the college(s) that interest you. Your family can learn about what you want to pursue and you can hear any concerns or suggestions they might have.
SPRING
Visit: Schedule visits to some local colleges. Get a feel for what works for you. Look for Spring Open Houses held by colleges.
Senior Schedule: Prepare a challenging schedule for your senior year. Determine what classes you need to graduate and then choose other helpful classes and electives. Colleges do notice your senior year courses and grades and are looking for challenging courses, not an easy ride.
Start a scholarship search: There are lots of scholarships out there; you just have to spend some time and effort to find them. There are websites, local organizations, corporations, your parents’ employers or service clubs, our guidance website and of course the financial aid office of the school you choose. The sooner you start looking, the easier it will be to apply your senior year.
Letters of Recommendation: Teachers, coaches, activity leaders, etc. are ones you want to ask to write you letters of recommendations for you. You can complete an activity sheet (in our office) so the person can write a more informative letter. Ask people who know you well and will have positive things to say. Make sure you give them several weeks to write the letter before you need it.
Plan for Summer: Apply for a summer job or internship in something that interests you. Participate in a camp or summer college program.
Set up appointments: Call the admissions office at your top college choices to set up visits, personal interview, tour, and meeting with a professor or coach if you’re interested.
SUMMER
Visit Colleges: Visit the campuses of your top five college choices. Take a tour and speak with the admissions and financial aid staff. You may also be able to talk to current students or sit in on a class if classes are in session.
NCAA: If you are an athlete planning to continue playing a sport in college (Division I/II), register with the National Collegiate Athletic Association Eligibility Center.
Create a resume: A record of your accomplishments, activities and work experiences since you started 9th grade. This will make it easier to fill out college applications and scholarships.
Applications: Download or look online at college applications. Check application dates…larger universities may have early dates or rolling admission.
Financial Aid: Organize your financial aid information. Develop a plan that includes a list of the aid sources, requirements for each application and a timetable for meeting the filing deadlines. Getting organized will make the process easier.
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES:
Scholarships & College Information: educationplanner.org; collegeboard.com; fastweb.com; college.gov; bigfuture.org; petersons.com; student aid.ed.gov; fafsa.ed.gov
Career Information: acinet.org; bls.gov
The above information has been compiled by the Mercer High School Guidance Office from petersons.com and bigfuture.org. 6/2014