Your Junior-Year Game Plan for College Succe

Junior year is when your college conversations start taking shape, and the steps you take now can make senior year a whole lot smoother. Think of this year as your launch pad: you’re building momentum, confidence, and clarity.

1. Invest Time in Meaningful Activities

Colleges aren’t looking for perfection, they’re looking for purpose. Keep building on what matters to you, whether that’s a job, volunteer work, a creative project, or leadership in something you care about.

2. Connect Your Interests to Majors

Not sure what you want to study? That’s totally fine. Play around with tools like MyMajors or Roadtrip Nation to see how your passions might align with real programs or career paths.

3. Decide on Your Testing Strategy

More colleges are returning to test-required or test-preferred policies, so having an ACT or SAT score you feel confident submitting can be a valuable asset when it comes time to apply. As you consider your testing timeline, be sure to register early, decide whether test prep makes sense for you, and identify who you’ll work with if you choose to prepare.

Keep in mind that many colleges remain test-optional—if your score doesn’t accurately reflect your academic strengths, there will still be a wide range of excellent options available.

4. Explore and Refine Your College List

Think about where you’ll thrive -academically, socially, and personally. Use tools like BigFuture or the Fiske Guide to build a balanced list of Likely, Possible, Reach and Far Reach schools.

5. Experience Campuses (Your Way)

Whether you’re walking through a quad in person or exploring through a virtual tour, visiting campuses gives you a sense of the community and culture. Pay attention to what feels energizing (or what doesn’t).

6. Start Your Common App Profile

Set up your Common Application account and begin entering the basics. It’s a great way to understand what information you’ll need and it gives you a head start when senior year kicks off.

7. Ask for Recommendations Early

Identify teachers who’ve seen your best work and ask for recommendations before summer. Give them plenty of time and don’t forget to write a thank-you note when they say yes!

8. Write Your Story

Summer is prime time for reflection. Think about moments that shaped you, challenges you’ve faced, or lessons you’ve learned. Those are the stories colleges want to hear. Try drafting your main essay before the fall rush.

9. Build a Master Timeline

Keep everything in one place — application deadlines, test dates, scholarship entries, recommendation requests. A little organization now saves a ton of stress later.

Summer Jumpstart Ideas

• Polish your résumé or activities list to use for applications or scholarships.

• Organize your college folder (digitally) to keep essays, notes, and deadlines tidy.

• Start something new — a career focused project, a community effort, or a skill you’ve been meaning to learn. Small steps can make a big statement.