Your junior year is a pivotal time for the college preparation journey. In this exciting time, you have the opportunity to lay the groundwork for your future. Whether you are curious about specific colleges, scholarships or career pathways, now’s the time to be proactive and prepare for college application season.
Follow this month-by-month checklist to stay ahead of the game and know what to expect each month of your junior year.
October – November
Attend college fairs
College fairs are a great way to become familiar with various colleges and programs all in
one convenient place. While attending, you can learn about what each college offers, get a glimpse of a school’s highlights and compare colleges to one another to see what kind of school fits your needs best.

Things to consider when looking into colleges:
- What size is the school?
- What specific programs of study do they offer?
- Where is the school located?
- Do they offer scholarships and financial aid?
By asking these questions you can decide which schools fit your interests and needs. After exploring colleges, create a list of the top schools you want to visit. It is important to have multiple options of colleges to apply to, even if you feel set and confident in one.
Prepare for the ACT/SAT
Your junior year is the prime time to prepare forand take standardized tests that colleges review during the admissions process, such as the ACT and SAT. While many schools are now test-optional, others require or recommend standardized test scores. If you plan on taking one of these standardized tests, begin preparing by:
- Utilizing practice workbooks
- Taking ACT/SAT prep courses
- Taking full length practice exams
Get involved in leadership opportunities
Before you apply for colleges, it is a great idea to take on leadership roles. Leadership takes on many forms, and you might already be involved in activities like sports, clubs or volunteer work where you can assume a leadership position.
Aside from these opportunities being beneficial for personal growth and skill building, colleges love to see that you are making strides towards leadership efforts. Get involved in these roles now to get ahead.
December – February
Register for a spring ACT or SAT
If you plan on taking the ACT or SAT, you can register for a spring test. Registering and taking these tests early is important so that:
- You get your preferred testing locations
- You have time to retake the tests if needed
Many students who choose to submit standardized test scores to colleges take these exams multiple times in order to improve their scores. When you improve your score, you have a greater chance of being awarded academic scholarships to the college you may choose.
Schedule spring college tours

Now that you’ve brainstormed the kinds of colleges you are interested in, you can begin to narrow down your list and determine which schools you want to visit. Plan out when you will take time to visit the colleges you are interested in so far. For many, spring break is a great time to tour one, or even a few colleges. Register for these visits or preview days early to ensure you get a spots since they can fill up quickly once the spring semester starts.
March – May
Take the ACT/SAT
ACT and SAT tests happen throughout the year around the same time. After preparing and registering, it’s time to take your test. Remember, you can always take these exams multiple times if you aren’t happy with your results.
Visit colleges
On your college visits or tours, use the notes app on your phone, bring a notebook or find a place to make a list of your likes and dislikes about the colleges you see. This way, you can look back on your visits and compare and contrast the schools you toured.
A few things to look for in a campus visit include:
- Do you feel comfortable and welcome on campus?
- What is the campus atmosphere like?
- Are there programs and majors that align with my interests?
- What kind of support and services are available for me as a student?
- Are there clubs or organizations I want to be involved in?
Draft a resume
Many colleges (and scholarships) ask you for a list of your work, volunteer or extracurricular experience. Springtime is a great for thinking about the things you are involved in that you would want on your resume. Even if your college application doesn’t require a resume, having one helps you to stay organized and prepared to share needed information.
June – July
Continue to schedule fall college visits
If there are schools you haven’t visited yet – or even want to tour a school for a second time – you can continue to schedule visits or tours for the fall. This way, you can continue to narrow down your search and feel more confident about the schools you will apply to. Explore more ways fall campus visits hit different.
Familiarize yourself with application processes and deadlines
Of the schools you are interested in, be sure to investigate what the application process is like for each. Looking into these aspects early will help you get ahead for your application season. Learn more about application timelines such as early action, early decision and regular decision.
Plan out your summer activities
The summer before your senior year is a great time to think about what you might be interested in studying or pursuing when you enroll in college.
Summer preparation activities can include:
- Volunteering with an organization you like
- Shadowing someone in a career of interest
- Taking on an internship
You can add these experiences to your resume, and they will ultimately help you brainstorm your career goals.
Following this checklist will help you stay organized and prepared throughout your junior year – setting you up for success before the college application months begin. Taking these intentional steps now will help you make your college decisions and goals manageable.
Learn More
To get ahead on your college journey, plan your campus visit today.