Winter of junior year is a critical time for high school students preparing for college. With less than a year until application deadlines begin, now is the perfect time for 11th graders to solidify collegiate goals, craft an admissions plan, and take actionable steps to set themselves up for success.
I sat down with Jen Foldvary, M.Ed., one of our experienced College Consultants, to chat about ways students can confidently and strategically navigate this process.
With years of experience in college admissions and high school counseling, Jen shares her expert advice on what juniors should start prioritizing this winter to stay ahead in their college admissions journey.
How can I start researching colleges, and what should I look for to build a balanced college list?
Jen: When I first start working with students, I find some know exactly what types of colleges they want to attend, and many others don’t even know where to start. So, before you begin researching colleges, I recommend identifying your interests and your priorities. There are many factors to consider in a college, like academic programs, location, size of the school, cost, and campus life (just to name a few!).
My students and I start by discussing their wants and needs. Then, I help them research and tailor a list of schools that will fit them well. Ensuring your list is balanced is a great way to increase your chances of acceptance. I have my students follow these general guidelines when creating their lists:
- 2-3 likely schools – schools where your profile is above that of the average admitted student
- 2-3 reach schools – schools where your profile falls below that of the average admitted student
- 3-5 target schools – schools where your profile aligns well with the average admitted student
When is the best time to take the SAT or ACT, and how should I prepare over the next few months?
Jen: The fall and winter of junior year is the time to devise your testing strategy and timeline. You’ll need to decide whether you should take the ACT or SAT. (If you’re not sure, we’re happy to help you do that!) Whatever test you decide on, the spring of your junior year is a great time to take your first test. By then, you will most likely have completed the coursework covering the test material. Also, you’ll have time to retest in the summer or early fall if you’re unsatisfied with your scores.
There are several ways to prepare: you can get a test prep book, enroll in a group course, or, what we find gives you the best results, work one-on-one with a test prep expert who can pinpoint areas for improvement and personalize each session.
Although many colleges are test-optional, the landscape is changing, and more test-optional schools are becoming test-preferred. I generally recommend students work to earn their best score so they have options later on. You should plan to test 2-3 times to maximize your score. When senior year rolls around, I work with students to strategically determine whether or not they should submit their scores to each of the test-optional schools on their list.
And by the way, your scores can also be used for merit scholarship and/or honors program consideration.
What high school extracurriculars should I prioritize to strengthen my application?
Jen: Extracurriculars demonstrate to colleges your unique skills and emphasize your dedication to activities beyond the classroom. There are several different extracurriculars to consider, such as academic clubs, sports, student government, community service, internships, enrichment programs, and even a summer job (we’ll talk more about this in a moment!).
Students do not need to provide a laundry list of activities – colleges would rather see a few robust activities that give insight into your passions and interests and show how you might contribute to campus. Extracurriculars can be a differentiating factor when multiple applicants have similar academic profiles.
When I work with juniors, we discuss their interests, passions, and accomplishments during 9th and 10th grades. I help them leverage their involvement and look for leadership opportunities. I also encourage my students to keep an activities and awards tracker so that when it comes time to apply for college, we have everything we need to showcase these attributes on their applications.
Should I consider applying for college prep programs, summer courses, or job shadows this summer?
Jen: You can consider applying for these types of programs as they can enhance your college application. But there are also other ways to make your summer meaningful!
On-campus college prep programs offer challenging coursework which can demonstrate your ability to handle college-level coursework. Summer courses can help you explore your areas of interest beyond what your high school might provide, and you also can earn college credit in the process.
Job shadowing is a great way to gain insight into a career you are interested in and show colleges that you are actively researching potential career paths.
Please keep in mind that even though colleges care about how you spend your summer, it doesn’t mean you need a fancy internship or need to attend a summer program at a prestigious university! Getting a summer job at an ice cream shop or summer camp is terrific, too, as it shows responsibility. Enrolling in a local community college class or taking an online course can show drive and initiative.
Should I be reaching out to college admissions offices or start to visit campuses? If so, what’s the best way to make a positive impression?
Jen: Some colleges consider a campus visit a sign of “demonstrated interest,” which could positively affect your application. Others don’t track it. However, I always encourage students to take campus visits when they can. It’s the best way to experience the school firsthand and can help you decide if it is a good fit.
A virtual tour is another great option if you can’t visit a campus in person. I always recommend that students take the virtual tour before an in-person college visit to get a sense of the campus. You can always contact admission offices with questions about application details or to request additional information. When you do go in person, the best way to make a positive impression is to be courteous and attentive, ask great questions, and be yourself!
How vital are Honors, AP, or IB classes on applications, and how do I decide which ones I should select this winter for 12th grade?
Jen: AP, IB, and honors classes can make your college application more competitive. To decide which classes to take, consider your academic strengths, the rigor of the courses at your school, your college goals, and whether you plan to potentially earn college credit through taking AP exams.
During the winter of junior year, I help students strategically map out their courses for senior year. If you’re interested in a STEM major, for example, you should focus on advanced math and science classes and, if your high school offers them, take electives related to this field. It’s also essential for you to remember that you shouldn’t “take it easy” senior year. Colleges will want to see that you are continuing to challenge yourself and excel in your coursework.
Personalized College Prep Support for High School Juniors
Navigating the college admissions process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! Whether your student needs help crafting a balanced college list, planning for standardized tests, or maximizing their extracurricular involvement, Jen and our team of experienced college consultants are here to help. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how one-on-one support can make all the difference in your student’s college journey.