FamilyEducation.com is a great resource! Click here for junior-specific information on preparing for college.

Where Do I Start?

To the right is a list of "tasks" for the junior student. Students and parents should talk together about this process and make plans to work together on some or all of the decisions ahead.

This is an exciting and stressful time. It can be less stressful if it is approached in a manageable way that works for everyone involved. The more planning you do, the more exciting it all becomes.

Parents might share with their students how they made the decisions that have gotten them where they are today, whether they would repeat them again or do things differently. Talk about how you made decisions about academics, post-high school education, careers and family life. Knowing how the important adults in their lives have made career and education decisions can help students make their own decisions.

Enjoy the ride, savor the excitement, and get started on the process. If students or parents have any concerns or questions they should contact their guidance counselor.

It's not too late
to bring those grades up!
Ask questions and form good study habits!

Throughout the year, students should research educational and career opportunities and collect information to help them make their decisions. This can include internet searches, research through libraries and career resource centers, job shadows, campus visits, and meetings with college or military recruiters at SLPHS. Students should talk to people in the fields in which they are interested and find out what kind of preparation they need to enter those careers.

In April-June, students planning to attend a 4-year college should take the ACT and/or SAT tests. This gives them the opportunity to take it a second time in the fall if they want to improve their scores.

Juniors should keep records of their research on colleges, careers, etc.
1. KEEP a folder/portfolio at home to keep track of what's collected.
2. DEVELOP a resume (formal or informal) describing all extra- curricular activities in which they have been involved throughout high school (these may include school and non-school activities & jobs).

Most importantly, the junior year is the last year to go on a transcript that will be sent to colleges for admission in the fall. Students’ grades and GPA are extremely important. The better the student does academically, the more doors are open to him or her to make choices for their future.

If the student has made mistakes in the past which have affected his/her transcript, now is the time to show that they can improve and are motivated to do so. If the student has done well all along, now is the time to show that they have what it takes to sustain the hard work and commitment.

In September, juniors have the option of going to the National College Fair in Minneapolis. This is an opportunity to meet college recruiters from all over the country and to start to think about what matters in choosing a college.

In October, juniors planning to go to a 4-year college have the opportunity to take the PSAT. This test helps to prepare them for other standardized college admissions tests, and it is the qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship program.