Hey! I'm starting my junior year and I'm feeling a little anxious about the whole college application process that's ahead. What should I be doing during my junior year to make sure I'm prepared when it's time to apply? Any advice is appreciated!
Hello! It's completely normal to feel some anxiety about the college application process, but don't worry, there's plenty you can do during your junior year to prepare! Here's a list of some important steps you can take:
- Maintain strong grades in your classes.
- Begin researching colleges and create a list of possible colleges based on your interests, preferred location, size, etc. Visiting college websites or attending college fairs can help.
- Take SAT or ACT practice exams to determine which test suits you best. Then, plan your test prep to take the official SAT or ACT exams in the spring of your junior year. You may choose to take the test again in the fall of your senior year if needed.
- Participate in extracurricular activities and try to take up leadership positions, if possible.
- Start brainstorming for your college essay topics, or even draft some of them during summer break.
- Lastly, build a good relationship with your guidance counselor, as they can provide valuable advice and support throughout the process. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.