College Preparation: A Checklist for Juniors

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Opportunities for Juniors!

• Boys/Girls state: Boys State and Girls state are programs focused on civil education and hosted by the American Legion and American legion auxiliary. For both of these programs, you spend a week at Catawba college and form local, party and state level government. Talk to your counselor if you think boys or girls state is right for you!

• NC Page Program: The Governor, the NC General Assembly house and the NCGA Senate all host pages throughout their sessions to aid in professional development. For this program you would stay in Raleigh for one week, potentially with a host family, and spend a week cultivating professional skills, networking with like-minded peers & learning more about North Carolina's government! Talk to your counselor if you think being a page is right for you! 

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Throughout Junior Year

 

• Meet with your guidance counselor and college adviser to discuss higher education options.

• Plan out your next two years of high school course work to make sure you will meet all of the minimum requirements for the type of college you plan to go to.

• Take a strong and challenging academic load.

• Take the PSAT and be sure to sign up for your scores to be considered for Merit Scholarships.

• Study for the SAT or ACT in the Spring (ask about test prep resources in the guidance office).

• Stay involved in your extracurriculars and take on leadership roles.

• Do volunteer work.

• Make a “brag file” in which you keep track of your:

  • Participation in sports and clubs

  • Volunteer work (log hours)

  • Honors and awards

  • Employment

  • Make sure to keep track of the years you were involved, number of hours dedicated, and positions held.

• Start a college search folder or fact chart. Collect brochures and information on colleges you might be interested in.

• Research scholarships. College can be very expensive. Starting your financial planning early is key.

• If possible, visit college campuses and attend college and career fairs.

• Athletes- register with the NCAA and look up the clearinghouse requirements for college admission as an athlete.

• Do something interesting with you summer; apply to programs, work, intern volunteer, etc.

• Make sure to keep your social media sites professional and restrictive with security and privacy settings.

• Make and use a professional email address when corresponding with colleges. Example: john.smith@gmail.com or j.smith2014@gmail.com.

 

Summer before senior year:

 

• Go on campus tours.

• Research colleges.

• Research scholarships.

• Use your brag file to build a resume.

• Read to improve your vocabulary for the SAT/ACT.

• Follow the news and current events.

• Get involved with summer programs and volunteer work.