Junior year of high school is a crucial time to gear up for the college admission process. Not sure of what to do?  Below are suggested steps you can take to make the most of this penultimate year.

Fall

If you were not already paying attention to your course selection, now is the year to be strategic.  Many colleges have requirements in certain subject areas in order to be eligible to apply.  Take the time to meet with a guidance counselor or advisor to confirm you are on target.

Though not generally an admissions requirement, many colleges look for students with community-service involvement.  Begin keeping tack of this type of activities and if not already involved, consider starting a project.  (link to other article).

Take The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in October.  Not only will the PSAT help prep you for the SAT I, your score may qualify you for merit-based scholarships.

If applicable, begin creating a portfolio rather than scrambling around right before applications are due.

Attend a college fair. They are a great way to get a lot of general information from many different schools.

Winter

Decide which winter or spring dates you would like to take the SAT I and/or SAT II. 

Sign up for SAT prep courses or invest in SAT prep books.

Begin researching potential colleges as well as scholarship opportunities.  If available, speak to a guidance counselor or advisor to guide you through the process.
 
Spring

Take the SATs, especially if planning to apply Early Decision or Early Action.

Consider visiting schools while a larger amount of students are still on campus.

Summer

Visit more college campuses; summer tour groups are often smaller and more intimate.

Begin the college application process; if unsure of your preferences think about looking at the common application and begin work on an essay.  It will be one less thing you will have to do senior year.

Get ready for Senior year!