Dear Juniors,

You are officially an upperclassman! Junior year is one of the most formative and important times in your life. It is a year of newfound freedom, where driving to school and going off campus for lunch make you feel like the coolest person on Earth. But it is also one of the most academically demanding years of high school and plays a major role in the college application process. 

For students applying early action or early decision, most colleges will not see senior year grades. This means that junior year carries the most weight in the admissions process. This is typically when you take your highest number of AP classes and tests, allowing you to show colleges the rigor of coursework you can handle. 

Junior year is also a time to step into leadership roles, whether in clubs, varsity sports, or the fine arts. It’s a year filled with firsts: stressing over prom groups and picture locations, attending Junior Ring Mass, accidentally hitting a car while parking, and crying over AP Chem. More than anything, it’s a year of growth.

You begin to think seriously about your future, including where you want to go to college and what you might want to do next. The best advice is to surround yourself with people who support you and challenge you to be your best self. It is OK if you do not have everything figured out. Most people do not, and that is part of the process.

Fall

• Start SAT/ACT prep.
• Build relationships with teachers. After all, they are writing your recommendations.
• Research colleges by size, location, majors, budget, and test-optional policies.
• Talk to your college counselor about courses and college ideas.
• Enjoy homecoming. Choose an outfit you like and don’t stress.
• Prepare for Junior Ring Mass by ordering your ring and submitting a blessed item.

Winter

• Take your first SAT/ACT to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Use office hours and tutoring at school.
• Take on leadership roles in extracurriculars and sports.

Spring

• Retake SAT/ACT if needed.
• Focus on strong second-semester grades.
• Take AP exams in May. Do your best, as this can count towards credit in college.
• Visit colleges and discuss options with your counselor and parents.
• Get 1–2 teachers to write recommendation letters.
• Explore Scoir for college research.
• Enjoy Prom!

Summer

• Write your personal essay.
• Complete Common App basics and activities list starting August 1.
• Finalize BRAG sheet.
• Apply for financial aid and scholarships.
• Explore summer programs, internships, or volunteer work.