Advice for Juniors

Juniors: When to begin testing?

Posted on Wed, 11/28/2012 - 16:22

Most students will want to take either the SAT or ACT once by the end of junior year -- usually taking either test for the first time in the winter or spring. (The SAT is first offered in January; the ACT in February.) This timing allows you to capitalize on having just completed Algebra II, as well as further coursework in English. No timetable suits all students, but all students should begin thinking of creating a testing plan, taking into account planning for the SAT or ACT, Subject Tests, and AP exams (if enrolled).

 

For more information on testing, including how colleges view standardized testing, how to create a testing plan, and more, see Chapter 7, "Testing," in College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step. And find more free test prep resources here on our website. 

Juniors: This week's advice? Eat pie...

Posted on Tue, 11/20/2012 - 20:22

 

Juniors, our advice for this week is to eat more pie. This is a time for relaxing with family and friends. One suggestion, though -- if you're visiting family near a college in which you might be interested, consider taking a drive through the nearby campus. The admission office will likely be closed, but it's still a great time to walk through the grounds.  And if a visit isn't in the cards, then stick with the program of football, pie, family and sleeping in.

 

For more on college visits, including campus visit etiquette, getting off the beaten track to learn more about a school, and questions to ask tour guides and admission officers, see Chapter 9, "College Visits," in College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step.

Juniors: Researching Yourself and the Colleges

Posted on Fri, 10/26/2012 - 11:49

Last week, we asked you to start evaluating your academic record as you begin to work on your initial list of colleges. As you continue to "research yourself," here are some questions to ask about how you learn. This is important because college is a learning environment, and you need to honestly evaluate yourself as a student in order to figure out what schools are best for you.

Again, keep in mind that there are no "right" answers. You're just mining for information. Here are some questions to give you a start:

Are you happiest when you are (a) significantly challenged and must be ever energetic in your efforts to keep up; (b) growing along with the rest of your classmates; or (c) learning while comfortably at the top of your class?

Are there any circumstances, such as a learning disability, that have impacted your academic performance?

What has been the best learning environment for you— a large lecture class or a small discussion group?

Is it important to you to have close relationships with your teachers?

What kind of schedule is best for you?

Juniors: Researching Yourself as You Research Colleges

Posted on Fri, 10/19/2012 - 14:21

 

As you work on your initial list of colleges, you need to research yourself as well as the colleges. Because college is a learning environment, you will need to honestly evaluate yourself as a student in order to figure out what schools are best for you.

First, consider your academic record. Keep in mind that there are no "right" answers. You're just mining for information. Here are some questions to help you begin:

What is your GPA? What is the highest GPA reported by your school?

Are you challenging yourself in the classroom with advanced classes, such as AP’s?

What is the most intellectually engaging class you have taken in high school? Why? How did it influence you?

What do you choose to learn when you learn on your own? Consider what topics you choose for research papers, lab reports, or independent reading.

What subjects have you excelled in?

What has been your greatest academic success?

What are your weaknesses academically?

When you have struggled in your class work, what did you do about it?

How do you respond to academic pressure?

 

Juniors: Giving Your Best Effort in The Classroom

Posted on Thu, 09/13/2012 - 11:20

 

Juniors, you should be giving your best effort in all your classes. Take a strong academic courseload and challenge yourself academically. If you are doing less than three hours of homework each day, talk with your counselor about enrolling in more advanced classes. First and foremost, what colleges will want to know about you is what you are like as a learner – your grades and courses,  as well as teacher recommendations, of course,  show them that.

 

Check out Chapter 5 in College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step for more information about what defines a challenging curriculum and achieving balance between grades, challenging courses, and personal time.

 

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