1. Junior Year timelines, checklists, action plan
4/22/2018 8:57 PM
Preparing for College
Junior Year
timelines, checklists, action plan
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The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

2. FALL Create a college binder Take PSATs
4/22/2018 8:57 PM
FALL
Create a college binder
Take PSATs
Create a checklist of all that you want to get accomplished this year (see handout)
Look into testing dates of SATs, ACTs & SAT subject tests
Create a preliminary list of colleges that interest you
Continue to stay involved – join a new club or look for new volunteer opportunities
College binder will be helpful to stay organized. Keep all your checklists and deadline calendars in here as well as information about your different schools
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

3. PSATs Typically taken in October of sophomore and/or junior year
As juniors, you have the opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition
If your scores are high enough when taken as a Junior, your scores will be entered into the competition for scholarships
For more information, visit:

4. Checklist

5. List of Colleges
Fill out the College Exploration worksheet to help guide your decisions
Explore Naviance and use the College Search and College Compare tools to help you
Also visit as an additional resource
This list can be broad at first, but know that as you get closer to applying, your list should be smaller and more concentrated

6. WINTER Continue to focus on your grades & study hard!
Begin preparation for SATs and ACTs. Consider signing up for a prep course or visit for sample questions of the day and a free practice test
Continue to work on your list of colleges
Start to research scholarship opportunities. Check out the GHS webpage, as well as:
SAT Prep courses can be pricey and range from $300-$700
Look into scholarships early, some require additional information or extra essays.

7. SPRING Take the SATs and/or ACTs
Start to narrow your list of colleges and create a plan of which schools to visit during the summer
Get a head start - ask your teachers and guidance counselor for letters of recommendation!
Make sure your senior year schedule is challenging and diverse
Consider looking for summer jobs to expand your experiences and start saving for college
Attend the National College Fair field trip

8. Letters of Recommendation
Think about two teachers that you would want to ask
You should have a solid relationship with this teacher and they should know you well enough to write you a letter
Don’t wait too long to ask! Some teachers put limits on how many letters they will write
Asking your junior year will give the teachers plenty of notice & will be one less thing to worry about senior year!

9. National College Fair
The junior class is taken on a field trip in the Spring (April or May) to Boston to visit the National College Fair
Over 350 colleges and universities attend this fair
Go prepared and with a plan. This can be very overwhelming with so many colleges in attendance.

10. SATs, ACTs & SAT Subject Tests
Sign up to take these tests in the spring of your junior year
If you do not get your ideal score, it’s okay! You can take these tests multiple times

11. SATs vs. ACTs: What is the difference?
Stronger emphasis on vocabulary
Questions are typically more straightforward
Critical reading, math, writing
Includes a science section
Broken up into 10 sections
Writing test is optional on day of exam. BUT, many schools do require this section. Make sure you know before taking the test!
Admissions officers consider how you do on each section
Admissions officers consider your composite score.
Ex:
SAT: what is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?

12. SAT Subject Test English Languages Literature Chinese with Listening
History & Social Studies
French
United States History
French with listening
World History
German
Mathematics
German with listening
Mathematics level 1
Modern Hebrew
Mathematics level 2
Italian
Science
Latin
Biology E/M
Spanish
Chemistry
Spanish with listening
Physics
Japanese with listening
Korean with listening
Take these to demonstrate mastery of specific subjects
Each takes 1 hour and you may take 1, 2, or 3 in one test sitting
Biology Ecological/Molecular

13. SUMMER Finalize the list of colleges that you plan to visit
Schedule tours
After your visits, finalize your list & decide the schools you’ll apply to
Start researching application process
Create a resume
Begin working on your college essay
Are you re-taking SATs & ACTs? Find the upcoming schedule and sign up for the Fall of senior year

14. Visiting Colleges Summer is a great time to schedule college visits
After you have visited some colleges, fill out the College Comparison Worksheet
This is a useful tool in helping you narrow your choices to the schools that you actually want to apply to

15. Good Questions to Ask How big are classes?
What is the total cost to attend this college?
What types of financial aid does the college offer? How & when do I apply?
Where do most freshmen live?
Am I assigned an academic advisor?
What activities are available for students?
What is there to do on the weekends? Do most kids go home on the weekends?

16. Create a Resume
Start to compile a list of your academic activities and achievements, as well as extracurricular activities
Education (class rank, GPA, SAT/ACT scores)
Academic Honors (honor roll, awards, science fair, national honors society, etc.)
Extracurricular activities (clubs, class office, sports, band, yearbook, etc.)
Community involvement (volunteering)
Special interests & hobbies (photography, hiking, writing, etc.)
Work experience (part-time jobs)

17. Sample Resume

18. Applications
Find out which schools accept the Common App and which schools do not
If necessary, request applications from those that do not accept Common App
Brainstorm ideas for your essay
Do your schools require additional essays? If so, get a head start!
Start to notice deadlines – do you want to apply early or regular decision?

19. Early Action vs. Early Decision
Means you apply and get all your information into the school before the regular decision deadline
This is a binding option
Deadlines are typically the same as EA in October & November
EA deadlines are typically in November, but can be in October
If you apply ED and you are accepted, you MUST withdraw all other applications and enroll at that school
If you apply early, you oftentimes find out by December or January
Only apply ED if you are certain that this school is a perfect fit for you

20. Questions?