Welcome, High School Junior! As you may already know, you are in what many consider the most important year in high school; this is the year colleges look at very closely to determine what kind of student you are shaping up to be. The pressure is on, especially this year, to do well in school and on standardized tests like the PSAT, and SAT. If you have taken the SAT before, keep in mind that it has changed from the SAT your brothers, sisters, friends, and parents may have taken in the past. The New SAT started in 2004.

Don't forget — this year isn't only about academics. You should be having fun, too! And extra-curricular activities, including sports, volunteering, journalism (yearbook/newspaper), and clubs are a great way to meet new people and learn teamwork and responsibility at the same time. This is the time when you should begin (or continue) participating in volunteer opportunities and other quality extra-curricular activities. Get involved when you can; colleges will look at your extra-curriculars to give them insight as to the kind of person you are.

Another very important opportunity you have this year is dual enrollment. Dual Enrollment allows you to begin taking college courses while you are still a high school student, earning both college and high school credits. Check out our dual enrollment page for academic requirements and to learn more about your options for acceleration.

If you are going to early admit into college next year, make sure you have met all of your requirements for high school graduation, and have gone over all of the necessary paperwork with your parents and with your Guidance Counselor. At the end of the second semester, make sure you send your transcript to your college of choice!

If you are not sure where to begin, here's a calendar for each season of your Junior year:

FALL

• Make sure you are enrolled in challenging classes, and in any prerequisite courses you may need for future classes you plan to take. If you are eligible, take Honors or Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
• Visit college fairs in the area.
• Pick one or two extra-curricular activities in which to get involved. Record and send any volunteer hours you complete to whomever collects them at your school (often in the Guidance office). Make sure you use the designated form if there is one, and get volunteer sponsors to sign for the hours. *This is very important for Florida's Bright Futures Scholarships!

SPRING

• Make a resume of your accomplishments. Include clubs and organizations you belong to (or have participated in during high school), awards and recognition, job experience, and special skills.
• If you are eligible, enroll in AP courses.
• Look for a great summer opportunity, like a job, internship, or volunteer position. Try to find one that relates to your academic or career interests.
• Look online for summer school courses offered by colleges. Many of them award college credit, but check with your guidance counselor before finalizing any plans.
• If you are enrolled in any AP courses, study for your May exams.
• Visit college fairs in the area.

SUMMER

• Start a summer reading list. If you didn't get one, ask your teachers to recommend books before your Sophomore year is over. Those taking AP Literature in their Senior year will most likely have a challenging reading list to complete over the summer. Read the books so you can make a good impression in the Fall.
• Make plans to visit college campuses to get a feel for your options. College visits provide great opportunities for family vacations, and are incredibly helpful in choosing a college you'll be comfortable at!

Junior Checklist

• Plan your schedule. If applicable, take your third academy elective. Take Honors and AP courses, and explore Dual Enrollment options.
• Meet with college counselors, vocational/technical schools, and military representatives.
• Research colleges and visit by (or during) your second semester. Explore employment.
• Apply for scholarships. Check out the scholarship websites.
• Attend college nights and college fairs.
• Explore summer employment, internship opportunities, and college summer programs.
• Participate in job shadowing/internships.