As juniors approach their senior year, it is a beneficial time to consider the college application process. There are many things that current juniors can do now in order to best prepare themselves to face the application, decision, and transition process before their senior year even begins.

One thing juniors should focus on is achieving and maintaining a good high school academic transcript.

“Make sure you’re academically sound and you have those academic strategies in place—especially in junior year, make sure you boost your transcript,” Miranda Lincoln, a CHS counselor, said. 

Another aspect of the college preparation process that juniors can choose to complete is studying and taking either the SAT or ACT. The end of junior year is a great time to complete these exams because they have consumed much of the knowledge they need. Students also have time to retake it, if needed.

There are many ways to begin studying for the SAT and ACT including taking practice tests and using online resources such as College Board and the ACT website. 

“Some people hire tutors and go to study programs, but there’s also online things that you can do free of cost. Anything to prepare yourself is helpful,” Sarah Warta, a CHS counselor, said. 

Students should also begin thinking about which colleges they would like to apply to. They can narrow down the decisions by taking tours or speaking directly with students who attend certain schools. This can help students decide if a school is a right fit for them. 

“Think to yourself, what’s important to you in a college?—if it’s a certain program, area of the country, for a sport or a specific club or organization. You really have to take a collective look,” Lincoln said. 

When it comes to preparing for the application itself, it is helpful to consider what should be included in the application. Students need to make sure they are staying authentic and providing colleges with a unique perspective. 

“Early in the summer, I started working on my personal statement essay,” CHS senior Taryn Kerker said. “Then, as it got later in the summer, I also worked on my other essays and created a resume.”

“My advice would probably be to get started early, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable in your writing and they can always use more work,” Kerker said. 

It is recommended that current juniors work on getting a head start in the college application process, as starting early can help ease some stress.