Courtesy of The National Association for College Admission Counseling

Thinking about college? Many experts suggest students begin considerations in middle school so that they build the strongest academic portfolio. Plans should definitely be underway as a high school freshmen, in order to select the best coursework and extracurricular involvement, plus prepare for standardized tests and begin researching colleges. Financial considerations are also an important part of the planning process. 

Junior year is when university preparations should kick into high gear. The National Association for College Admission Counseling suggests the following timeline for high school juniors as they begin to think of life after high school …

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER

Talk with your counselor about the year ahead. Confirm that your courses will put you on the right track for college admission.

Ask about test dates for the PSAT, ACT, and SAT. You’ll need to register up to six weeks ahead of time.

Start developing a résumé — a record of your accomplishments, activities, and work experience. This will be an important part of your college application.

If you haven’t participated in many activities outside of class, now is the time to sign up. Consider clubs at school, team sports, leadership roles, or involvement in a religious or civic community group.

Take the PSAT. Taking the test as a junior will qualify you for some scholarship consideration and identify you to colleges as a potential applicant.

Begin to prepare for the ACT or SAT. Plan to take at least one of these tests in the spring. Ask your counselor if you qualify for a fee waiver.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY

Work with your counselor to set your senior schedule. Enroll in the most challenging courses.

Register for a spring SAT and/or ACT. Ask your counselor whether you should also take an SAT Subject Test.

Explore summer opportunities on college campuses — a great way to find out what college life is all about.

MARCH-MAY

Start researching colleges and universities. Go to college fairs and open houses. Learn as much as you can about colleges online.

Begin planning college visits. Try to visit colleges near you over spring break. Include a large, medium size, and small campus.

Develop a preliminary list of colleges that interest you. Go online to request additional information.

Take a look at some college applications. Make note of all the pieces of information you will need to compile. Make a list of teachers, counselors, employers, and other adults who could write letters of recommendation.

Consider lining up a summer job or internship.

JUNE-AUGUST

Continue investigating colleges. Schedule campus visits at the schools that interest you. Begin thinking about your applications. Generally, colleges will have their applications online by the beginning of August. Start brainstorming your college essay.

While it’s never too early to begin thinking about your plans after graduation, it is essential that students begin making more concrete plans by the time they are in eleventh grade. College is not for everyone, but if it is your student’s goal, the sooner preparations begin, the less stressful the process will be. 

Learn more at nacacnet.org.