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Your 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 are, 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 your conversations with your guidance counselors, teachers, family members or trusted adults about your plans for college.

  • Check on the availability of and enrollment in AP and other honors-level classes.

  • Enroll in college credit courses while in high school (concurrent enrollment).

  • Learn the schedules for the PSAT, ACT, SAT and AP and other honors-level exams. Discuss why you should take these exams and how they could benefit you.

  • Ask for a preview of your academic record and profile, determine what gaps or weaknesses there are and get suggestions on how to improve your profile.

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

  • Sign up and prepare for the exams you've decided to take. Use the Test Prep section right here on OKcollegestart.org.

  • Determine what it takes to gain admission to the college(s) of your choice, in addition to GPA and test score requirements.

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. (You may want to visit our Explore Colleges section for more information on the colleges in which you're interested.) Start researching your financial aid options as well.

  • Begin scheduling interviews with admissions counselors. If possible, schedule tours of the school grounds on the same days. 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 the deadlines for applying for admission and which tests to take. Make sure your test dates give college admission offices ample time to receive 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 or desired.

  • 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.

  • Research financial aid options and deadlines for applying.

  • Continue to save for college!