Juniors, your senior year is just around the corner! Now is the time to start preparing for college applications, career planning, and life after high school. Below is a month-by-month checklist to help you stay on track and make the most of your junior year.

August 2024: Start Strong & Stay Organized

• Review your class schedule and ensure you're on track for graduation.

• Set academic goals for the year and establish good study habits.

• Begin exploring colleges, trade schools, and career paths.

• Start logging extracurricular activities and achievements.

September 2024: Career & College Exploration

• Attend college fairs and career events.

• Research different careers and majors that align with your interests.

• Sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT (important for scholarships!).

• Begin drafting a résumé to showcase your skills and experiences.

October 2024: Prepare for Standardized Tests

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT for National Merit Scholarship eligibility.

• Research SAT/ACT test dates and determine which is best for you.

• Continue exploring scholarship opportunities and financial aid options.

• Meet with your counselor to discuss post-graduation plans.

November 2024: Academic Focus & Extracurricular Involvement

• Keep your grades up! Junior year grades are critical for college applications.

• Get involved in leadership roles within clubs or organizations.

• Start looking for summer programs, internships, or volunteer opportunities.

December 2024: Reflect & Plan Ahead

• Research colleges, trade schools, and programs of interest.

• Continue building your résumé and listing any achievements.

• Start preparing for SAT/ACT exams by reviewing practice materials.

• Stay focused on academics as you prepare for midterms.

January 2025: Testing & College Research

• Register for the SAT/ACT if you haven’t already.

• Start drafting a list of potential colleges or programs.

• Research requirements for military enlistment or trade school programs.

• Seek leadership opportunities in school clubs or community organizations.

February 2025: Start Campus Visits & Career Planning

• Visit college campuses (virtual or in-person) to explore your options.

• Research financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

• Meet with professionals in careers of interest for advice and networking.

March 2025: Stay on Track Academically

• Continue strong academic performance—colleges will review junior year grades!

• Take a practice SAT/ACT to assess areas for improvement.

• Start narrowing down your college and career choices.

• Look into summer programs or pre-college courses.

April 2025: Standardized Testing & Planning

• Take the SAT/ACT or schedule one for early senior year.

• If considering a trade, research apprenticeships and certification programs.

• Seek internship or volunteer opportunities to gain experience.

• If interested in the military, begin researching requirements and talking to recruiters.

May 2025: Prepare for Senior Year

• Maintain strong grades—final junior year transcripts matter!

• Ask teachers for recommendation letters before summer break.

• Finalize summer job, internship, or academic program plans.

• Create a timeline for college applications and scholarships.

June 2025: Summer Preparation

• Visit colleges, attend workshops, and continue test prep.

• Begin drafting your college essays and personal statements.

• Work on financial aid research and scholarship applications.

• Gain work or volunteer experience to strengthen your applications.

Juniors, this is your year to lay the foundation for your future! Stay focused, take initiative, and start planning now to make your senior year less stressful.

Need guidance? Stop by the counseling office—I’m here to help!