Junior Year
The real PSAT that you get one chance to take is here. Make sure to sign up and make sure to study hard.Link: PSAT
Sign up and take the SAT or ACT. Taking it in your junior year insures that you have time to retake the exam if you do poorly the first time. This test is important, no explanation needed, so devote a lot of time and effort to preparing for it.
Link: SAT
Now that you’re done with or almost done with the PSAT and the SAT, it’s time to start preparing for SAT II Subject Tests. These are required by virtually all top colleges and are an important factor in their decisions. The good news is that you can choose which subject tests to take, so pick subjects that you are interested in and good at. After that, decide when you will be taking the SAT II Subject Tests and begin studying.
Link: SAT II Subject Tests
Junior year is the last year that any AP tests you take will show up as a credential on your college application (by the May of senior year, colleges will already have accepted or rejected you). That means take a lot. Try to take four or more exams this year and have taken a total of eight AP exams between your freshman, sophomore, and junior years.
Link: AP
Look for a job and/or an internship. Both are good experiences as well as resume builders. Plus, it never hurts with a job or paid internship to have a little extra cash. Internships are generally a better experience and credential than random jobs available to high school students, so if you’re pressed for time, prioritize interning over getting a job.
Link: Job
Link: Internship
It is important that you not only participate in a host of activities, but also that you excel in them. One of the best ways to do that is to assume leadership positions. These show a higher level of commitment as well as your ability to lead.
Link: Leadership
Look into camps or summer programs for the upcoming summer. These are usually great experiences that also serve to give you a better idea of your interests while building your resume. Many have deadlines in the spring and fill up fast, so begin looking as soon as possible.
Link: Summer programs
Most colleges and many programs require letters of recommendation. Junior or senior year teachers usually make the best candidates since they had you in an academic setting most recently. Start thinking about which teachers you want to ask for letters of recommendation and make sure to show them that your qualities.
Link: Recommendation Letters
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