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Plan For College Timeline: 11th Grade/Junior Year

It is extremely important to maintain good grades - especially in your junior year. You should also challenge yourself academically because many colleges pay attention to the difficulty and diversity of your coursework. The harder the classes, the better prepared and more qualified you are for college. Continue to research careers that interest you and find colleges that suit your future goals.

  • Continue talking with your guidance counselors, teachers, family members or trusted adults about your plans for college.

  • Enroll in AP and other honors-level classes if you can.

  • Earn college credit while in high school through concurrent enrollment if possible.

  • Ask your counselor when the PSAT, ACT, SAT and AP and other honors-level exams will be offered in your area and discuss why you should take these exams and how they could benefit you.

  • Determine which exams (ACT vs. SAT) you will take. (You can always change your mind.)

  • Sign up and prepare for the exams you've decided to take. There is a great test prep tool on this site.

  • Ask for a preview of your academic record and profile from your school. Discuss with your counselor and family how you can improve your profile.

  • Review the Courses to Take and Grades to Make to gain admission to the college(s) of your choice.

Fall Semester:

  • Register and take the PSAT exam offered in October. Remember that the PSAT scores are required for several national scholarships and is especially important for National Merit Scholarships.

  • Narrow your list of colleges to include a few colleges with requirements at your current GPA, a few with requirements above your current GPA and at least one with requirements below your GPA. Start right here with Explore Colleges.

  • Schedule interviews with college admissions counselors. If possible, schedule tours of the school grounds on the same day. You and your parent(s) may want to visit the colleges and universities during spring break and summer vacation, so that you do not have to miss school. However, some high schools consider a campus visit an excused absence. Check with your counselor.

Spring Semester:

  • Take campus tours online or in person to further narrow your list of colleges to match your personality, GPA and test scores.

  • Register for the spring ACT and/or SAT tests. Find out from each college their admission deadline and test requirements (do they require an ACT or SAT score?) Make sure your test date gives college admission offices ample time to receive your test scores. It is a good idea to take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring to allow you time to review your results and retake the exams in the fall of your senior year, if necessary.

  • If you are interested in taking any AP or honors-level exam(s), you should sign up for the exam(s) at this time. If your school does not offer the exams, check with your guidance counselor to determine schools in the area that do administer them, as well as the dates and times that the exam(s) you are taking will be offered. Scoring well on these exams can sometimes earn you college credit, saving you time and money in the long run.

  • Talk to teachers about writing letters of recommendation for you. Think about what you would like included in these letters (how you would like to be presented)and politely ask your teachers if they can accommodate you.

  • Start researching financial aid options. Remember, you will need to apply for financial aid in January of your senior year but it's best to start preparing early.

  • Make sure you know the application deadlines for the colleges you want to attend.
  • Sign up for summer camps, academies or workshops that can enrich your academic, teamwork and leadership skills.

  • Continue to save for college!