Checklist for Juniors

• Continue to take challenging courses.  Keep up your grades and be sure to study hard.  Seek help from your teachers early if you experience academic difficulties.
• When selecting senior year courses be sure to challenge yourself academically but realistically.
• Take the PSAT in the fall to see if you qualify for a National Merit Scholarship and use your results to prepare for your SAT.  Free practice is available through Khan Academy.
• Work on your resume and update it throughout the year.
• Continue using your Naviance account to explore careers, colleges, scholarships and more.  Begin building your college list and adding colleges to your “favorites.”
• Plan and prepare for college visits and tours.  Sign up for post secondary rep visits hosted at Cardinal Mooney High School and attend local college fairs.  Begin communicating with admissions officers/coaches for colleges on your list.
• Visit prospective colleges during school breaks/weekends.  Check to see if colleges require or offer interviews.
• Students interested in enrolling in one of the five military academies should begin preparing early in high school, and ideally complete a preliminary application in their junior year.  You can request the application from a regional command office or from the institution itself or you can apply online.  
• Attend all college planning meetings hosted by the guidance office and junior parent night.
• If you are interested in being recruited for athletics, talk to your coaches and explore eligibility requirements.  Sign up with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
• Take the SAT/ACT in the spring.  
• If you’re taking AP classes, you will take your AP exams in May.
• Choose meaningful summer activities: academic or enrichment programs, volunteer activities or employment.
• Begin preparation for the application process: draft essays, assemble portfolios, contact coaches if you’re an athlete, consider/request letters of recommendation.