How to prepare for college: the high school junior’s guide

By now, you’ve probably heard how important junior year is to your college applications. And it’s true: Junior year is the last full year you’ll have to put your best foot forward to prove to colleges how awesome you are.

No pressure, right?

Let’s make things a little easier. Use this guide as a reference to make sure you’re tackling all of the important college tasks so you’re ready come next year when it’s time to start filling out your college applications.

Good luck!

***

• Have “The Talk” with your parents: Not that talk, the talk about paying for college. Fifty-three percent of college graduates believe having this talk would’ve lowered the amount of student loan debt they incurred.
• Search for schools early & often: College Scoreboard and College Board let you do every filtered search imaginable to find schools that fit your criteria. This can be an ongoing practice throughout the school year.
• Check yourself: Junior year will be your last full academic year shown on college applications, so make it a good one with the right courses, volunteering, and extracurriculars!
• Don’t procrastinate on the PSAT: Believe it or not, the deadline to register for the October PSAT is usually in September. Don’t miss out on this chance to prep for the real deal.
• Put down the phone & attend a college fair: Sure, you can find information about colleges online, but step away from the screen and learn about your top schools in person.
• Take a mental break: There’s a lot riding on junior year. Don’t let the stress get the best of you! Hang out with friends, go to the big game, or take a weekend off all college planning activities to give your brain a rest.
• Don’t panic when it’s time for the big tests: You’ve prepared for the SAT/ACT since kindergarten. Now, it’s showtime! When you take these exams is up to you. The SAT is offered in March, May, and June; the ACT in April, June, and July.
• Go on tour: No, not to follow your favorite band, but your favorite colleges. Go in the spring when school is in session and the weather is nice so you get the best impression of the campus.
• Get in the front of the recommendation lines: Don’t leave this to the last minute when you’re ready to submit your college applications. Most colleges require recommendations from a teacher, coach, boss, or an adult that say you’re ready for college and why. Don’t forget to write thank you notes!

Ready to fund your college education?

A private Citizens Student Loan lets you choose from competitive fixed and variable rates, as well as repayment options that give you the freedom to pay back your loan on your schedule.