Junior Year
American Indian Education Services & Curriculum
You're halfway through! This year is when you really start looking at colleges, deciding where you want to apply, and what the admission requirements are for that college.
Fall
Academics
Resume taking a balanced course load between regular classes, electives, and challenging coursework. Grades still matter, so it is important to keep up and maintain grades and seek help when necessary. Engage with your classes and teachers because you will need teacher recommendations for college applications. Schedule your SAT/ACT in Fall and possibly Spring if you did not get your ideal results.
Activites
Look for opportunities to take leadership roles in your activities, and start compiling a resume of activities, academic experiences, hobbies, and awards in preparation for applying to colleges.
Legwork
Fall: Prepare for the ACT or SAT. There are free sites available to help you prepare for the tests. Continue to research colleges, keeping in mind the location, size, cost, and programs offered. Attend college fairs, such as the NACAC college fair, and attend college visits held throughout the year. Talk to different college representatives to get a feel for the colleges. Don't forget to keep using the California Career Zone to explore career interests. Think about what majors coincide with your desired career pathway to make sure you find the right college.
Spring: Prepare for the SAT/ACT. Once you have your scores, start talking with school counselors and start building your college list. This is the time to have the conversation with parents/guardians about paying for college. Attend school Financial Aid Night and look at your list of colleges' Net Price Calculators. Look into potential scholarship possibilities by visiting RCICP website and talking with your counselor.
Summer Before Your Senior Year
Take this summer to really focus on building your resume for college. Find opportunities to volunteer or find a paid summer internship. Study and sign up for your final opportunity to take the ACT or SAT. Fine-tune your list of colleges. You want to find a safety net school, one that you feel comfortable with financially, and then your dream school. Make sure you are aware of deadlines for applications, housing, and financial aid. Take the opportunity to visit colleges, begin college essays, and determine if you will need letters of recommendation from teachers, school counselors, or other staff at the high school.