December To-Do List for Juniors
Think about why you want to go to college and your goals when you get there- To prepare for a particular career? Satisfy your intellectual curiosity? Increase your options?
Figure out your best standardized test — Take a diagnostic test to see if the ACT or SAT is your better test. Then begin to prepare to take it in spring semester.
Keep up your grades-Junior year grades are particularly scrutinized by colleges and the GPA you end up with is the one you will apply with.
Get your extracurriculars together— If you need to strengthen your leadership, community service, or other activities, now is the time to get going.
Attend visits by college reps— This is a great time to make a connection with the people who will eventually read your application.
Make plans for summer— The summer between 11th and 12th grade is the time to take a class or attend a program on a college campus, do volunteer work, or get a job.
Visit local colleges— Walking on the campuses of different schools will give you an idea of the variety of options available to you, and help you develop your preferences.