{"id":105,"date":"2013-06-06T22:07:25","date_gmt":"2013-06-06T22:07:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.creswell.k12.or.us\/wp\/aspire\/?page_id=105"},"modified":"2018-11-14T19:09:55","modified_gmt":"2018-11-14T19:09:55","slug":"junior-year","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/creswell.k12.or.us\/aspire\/step-2-year-by-year-plans\/junior-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Junior Year"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>To get you started in your college and career prep during your Junior Year, check out this tool posted on a website called Quintessential Careers:<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Quintcareers college guide\" href=\"http:\/\/www.quintcareers.com\/college_planning_tutorial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>College Planning Tutorial:<\/strong> <strong>Empowering College-Bound Students<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis free 60+ page tutorial is designed to help you walk through all the important steps in\u00a0 choosing a college \u2014 including college search, college entrance criteria,\u00a0 college application process \u2014 with special attention on the application essay,\u00a0 and financial aid\u2026\u00a0 \u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Next, check out this site<\/strong> for a fun and informative checklist into how to kick-start your college and career plans: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.knowhow2go.org\/\">know how to<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.knowhow2go.org\/\"> go<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are some things more to consider:<\/strong> <em>From NACAC\u2019s PACT Guide, 2000. Revised Online Only: March 2005<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Begin the college selection process this year.\u00a0 Attend college fairs, financial aid seminars,\u00a0 general information sessions, etc., to learn as much as you can about\u00a0 the college application process.\u00a0 Make sure you are meeting NCAA\u00a0 requirements if you want to play Division I or II sports in college.<\/p>\n<p><strong>September<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Meet with your guidance counselor to\u00a0 review your courses for this year and plan your schedule for senior\u00a0 year.\u00a0 Discuss whether to register for the October <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeboard.org\/\">PSAT<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Save samples of your best work for your academic portfolio (all year).<\/li>\n<li>Maintain your co-curricular record (all year).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>October<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Junior year <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeboard.org\/\">PSAT<\/a> scores may qualify a student for the National Merit\u00a0 Scholarship Competition and the National Achievement and the National\u00a0 Hispanic Scholars Programs. So, even though these scores will not be\u00a0 used for college admission, it is still a good idea to take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeboard.org\/\">PSAT<\/a>.\u00a0 The more times you take standardized tests, the more familiar you will\u00a0 become with the format and the types of questions asked. If you wish to\u00a0 receive free information from colleges, indicate on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeboard.org\/\">PSAT<\/a> test answer\u00a0 form that you want to participate in the Student Search.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>November <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Junior year grades are extremely important in the college admission\u00a0 process, because they are a measure of how well you do in advanced,\u00a0 upper-level courses. Grades also are used to determine scholarships and\u00a0 grants for which you may be eligible. So put in the extra effort and\u00a0 keep those grades up!<\/li>\n<li>If you will require financial aid, start researching your\u00a0 options for grants, scholarships and work-study programs. Make an\u00a0 appointment with your guidance counselor or start by visiting NACAC\u2019s\u00a0 Web Resources for the College-Bound to do research on your own using the Internet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>December <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>During December you should receive the results of your PSAT. Read\u00a0 your score report and consult your school counselor to determine how you\u00a0 might improve on future standardized tests. The PSAT is excellent\u00a0 preparation for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeboard.org\/\">SAT<\/a> Reasoning Test, which you will take in the\u00a0 spring.<\/li>\n<li>If you plan to take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/\">ACT<\/a>, register now for the February ACT.\u00a0 Many colleges accept the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/\">ACT<\/a> (American College Test) or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeboard.org\/\">SAT<\/a>\u00a0 Reasoning Test. Some colleges require the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/\">ACT<\/a> or both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeboard.org\/\">SAT<\/a> Reasoning Test\u00a0 and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeboard.org\/\">SAT<\/a> Subject Tests. When you begin to explore different colleges\u00a0 and universities, double-check to see if they prefer or require the\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/\">ACT<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeboard.org\/\">SAT<\/a> Reasoning Test and\/or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeboard.org\/\">SAT<\/a> Subject Tests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>January <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Begin to make a preliminary list of colleges you would like to\u00a0 investigate further. Surf the Internet and use the college resources in the Career Center or library.<\/li>\n<li>Be sure you know your Social Security number (required on\u00a0 many college applications). If you were never issued a Social Security\u00a0 number, contact the closest Social Security office as soon as possible\u00a0 to obtain a number.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>February<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your preliminary list of colleges. Discuss whether your initial list of colleges meets your\u00a0 needs and interests (academic program, size, location, cost, etc.) and whether you are considering colleges where you are likely to be\u00a0 admitted. You should be both optimistic and realistic when applying to\u00a0 colleges.<\/li>\n<li>Register for the March SAT Reasoning Test if you have completed\u00a0 the math courses covered on the SAT Reasoning Test. If not, plan to take the SAT Reasoning Test in May or June. Prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/\">ACT<\/a> by signing up for a prep course, using computer\u00a0 software, or doing the SAT\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/\">ACT<\/a> practice tests available online, in the Career Center or at bookstores. But don\u2019t spend so much time trying\u00a0 to improve standardized test scores that grades and co-curricular\u00a0 involvement suffer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>March <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Write, telephone, or use the Internet to request admission\u00a0 literature and financial aid information from the colleges on your list.\u00a0 There is no charge and no obligation to obtain general information about admission and financial aid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>April <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>When selecting your senior courses, be sure to continue to challenge yourself academically.<\/li>\n<li>Register for the May\/June SAT Reasoning Test and\/or the\u00a0 May\/June SAT Subject Tests. Not all SAT Subject Tests are given on every\u00a0 test date. Check the calendar carefully to determine when the Subject\u00a0 Tests you want are offered. Register for the June <a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/\">ACT<\/a> if you want to take that test.<\/li>\n<li>Continue to evaluate your list of colleges and universities.\u00a0 Eliminate colleges from the original list that no longer interest you and add others as appropriate.<\/li>\n<li>Look into summer jobs or apply for special summer academic or\u00a0 enrichment programs. Colleges love to see students using their knowledge\u00a0 and developing their skills and interests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>May <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Attend a college fair to get more information about colleges on your\u00a0 list. NACAC sponsors college fairs in cities across the country during\u00a0 the fall and the spring. Visit NACAC\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nacacfairs.org\/?_ga=2.185664225.956418288.1518475971-1695631364.1518475971\">National College Fairs Web page<\/a> to check out the schedule for the National College Fairs and the Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs.<\/li>\n<li>Get a jump start on summer activities-consider enrolling in an\u00a0 academic course at a local college, pursuing a summer school program,\u00a0 applying for an internship, working, or volunteering. If you work, save\u00a0 part of your earnings for college.<\/li>\n<li>Begin visiting colleges. Phone to set up appointments.\u00a0 Interviews are always a good idea. Many colleges will tell you they are\u00a0 optional, but an interview will show interest, enthusiasm and initiative\u00a0 on your part and provide an excellent opportunity to have your\u00a0 questions answered. Do a practice interview with your counselor,\u00a0 teacher, employer, or a senior who has had college interviews. Set up\u00a0 interviews as early as possible-interview times become booked quickly!<\/li>\n<li>Take the SAT Reasoning Test or the SAT Subject Tests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>June<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>After school ends, get on the road to visit colleges. Seeing the\u00a0 college firsthand, taking a tour and talking to students can be the\u00a0 greatest help in deciding whether or not a school is right for you.\u00a0 Although it is ideal to visit colleges during the academic year, going\u00a0 in the summer will be valuable. Admission offices employ their students\u00a0 to give tours and answer questions from prospective students and their\u00a0 parents.<\/li>\n<li>Take the SAT Reasoning Test, the SAT Subject Tests and\/or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/\">ACT<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>July<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Visit colleges, take tours, have interviews and ask questions. Make\u00a0 college visiting a family event. Involve your parents and siblings in\u00a0 every step of your application process. Choosing the right college is a\u00a0 tough decision; the opinions of those who know you best can provide\u00a0 helpful insight into which college is best for you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><strong>August <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Continue to refine your list of potential colleges and universities.<\/li>\n<li>Begin preparing for the actual application process: draft\u00a0 application essays; collect writing samples; and assemble portfolios or\u00a0 audition tapes. If you are an athlete and plan on playing in college,\u00a0 contact the coaches at the schools to which you are applying and ask\u00a0 about intercollegiate and intramural sports programs and athletic\u00a0 scholarships.<\/li>\n<li>Complete the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse form if you\u00a0 hope to play Division I or II sports. (This form cannot be mailed until\u00a0 you finish your sixth semester of high school.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To get you started in your college and career prep during your Junior Year, check out this tool posted on a website called Quintessential Careers: College Planning Tutorial: Empowering College-Bound Students \u201cThis free 60+ page tutorial is designed to help &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/creswell.k12.or.us\/aspire\/step-2-year-by-year-plans\/junior-year\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":0,"parent":89,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-105","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/creswell.k12.or.us\/aspire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/105","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/creswell.k12.or.us\/aspire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/creswell.k12.or.us\/aspire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creswell.k12.or.us\/aspire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creswell.k12.or.us\/aspire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=105"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/creswell.k12.or.us\/aspire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/105\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creswell.k12.or.us\/aspire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/89"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/creswell.k12.or.us\/aspire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=105"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}