Senior Timeline | Junior Timeline | Freshman/Sophomore Timeline

Junior Timeline - What Should I Be Doing Now?

COLLEGE COUNSELING OVERVIEW FOR JUNIORS

September

· This is it! Definitely…"A Critical Year Academically," as colleges will closely consider your transition from sophomore status to junior status as the time to demonstrate academic maturity. Make sure your schedule is appropriately solid and that you have discussed your requirements with the Academic Dean for the Upper School. Focus your attention on your grades, use study halls wisely, go to extra instruction and get off to the strongest start possible!!!!
· Make a practice of walking by the college counseling office on a regular basis and paying attention to the bulletin board. Attend college meetings held at WPS.
· Continue to explore your values, needs and strengths. Continue to develop your passions and skills to the fullest.
· Continue your involvement with in-school and out-of-school activities. Look for leadership opportunities; show initiative and genuine commitment rather than token participation. Remember, quality participation in activities will be easily detected by Admissions Committees. Don't try to fool these people. They have too much experience!
· Make an individual appointment with Mr. D'Antonio to review your academic goals and plans for the year.
· If you have had educational testing that recommends extended time for exams, talk with the college counseling office and the Academic Dean for the Upper School to make sure your testing is up-to-date and all your paperwork is in order.
· Athletes who hope to participate in college athletics who play spring sports should consult with their WPS coaches and begin to make contacts with coaches at the college level.
· Plan to take the SAT I at least once during your junior year. We suggest you take it twice.

October & November

· PSAT October at WPS: All sophomores and juniors are pre-registered by WPS for the PSAT because we require that all sophomores and juniors take the test. This is a national test date and cannot be changed. This PSAT will be an opportunity to practice the SAT, and for juniors, to achieve National Merit Scholar status. Read the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin which will be distributed by the College Counseling office. These materials include information about the test as well as sample questions. Reading this information and knowing what to expect should lower your anxiety and help you perform to the best of your ability. It is important to remember that colleges DO NOT see your PSAT test results. Your scores are mailed to Worcester Preparatory School, and we will turn them over to you. About five percent of the entire nationwide testing body will qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition because of high scores.
· Study and do your best on your exams!
· Talk to relatives and friends who are home from college for break about their experiences so far.

December

· Review your PSAT results with your parents. Please make sure to read the entire report.
· Make plans for standardized testing. Talk with parents and the college counselor about best time to take SAT I, ACT and SAT II's. We recommend that every student take the SAT and or ACT at least once during the spring and the SAT IIs where appropriate.
· Register to take the SAT and ACT tests.
· Parents are invited to a Financial Aid Workshop. This is the time to start thinking about finances whether that means financial aid, merit scholarships or payment options. Speak to a financial consultant; check on-line resources such as www.fastweb.com.

January - March

· Make arrangements to meet with Mr. D'Antonio if you haven't already done so.
· Begin to identify the characteristics you would like in a college.
· Take January SAT exam.
· Talk with your parents and make appointment for them to meet with your college counselor.
· Register for March, May or June SAT I or II exams. (Make sure to talk with Mr. D'Antonio and your teachers about which SAT II's you should take.)
· Make an appointment for a follow-up meeting with your college counselor. Talk about the characteristics you are looking for in a college and begin to develop a list.
· Write or e-mail the schools on your preliminary list requesting information.
· Study and do your best on your exams!
· Take March SAT exam. (optional)
· Take advantage of Spring Break and visit colleges. If at all possible, try to see schools while they are in session.
· Research the schools on your list in a variety of ways (objective and subjective guidebooks, discussion with alums and present students as well as computer resources).
· Talk with your parents, your advisor and your college counselor about your senior schedule. You should be thinking about the strongest possible schedule that is appropriate for you. Think about breadth across the curriculum as well as advanced courses.
· Talk with your parents, advisor, coaches and college counselor about ways to use your upcoming summer effectively. Include some planning on when you will make college visits.
· Meet with your college counselor to talk about the schools you visited over spring break or those you have been researching. Narrow down your list with a goal of 10-15 by the end of the year.

April - June

· Take April ACT exam. (optional)
· Initiate service academy and ROTC scholarship applications, if applicable.
· Attend Independent Schools College Fair at Villa Julie College in April.
· Take the May SAT I exam. Some people may want to use this date for SAT II's especially those who have just reviewed for AP exams in subject areas applicable to the SAT II's. (optional)
· Ask for a teacher recommendation. You should have two recommendations confirmed before the end of spring term.
· Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse if you plan to participate in any sport at the Division I or II level.
· Meet with your college counselor to finalize your initial list.
· Take June SAT exam. (optional) Many people use this date for SAT II exams. You should talk with your teachers and college counselor about which tests are appropriate for you.
· Study and do your best on your spring final exams!
Summer
· If you don't have a summer job, try volunteering in an area of interest to you. Read books, newspapers, magazines, college guides and anything else you can get your hands on.
· Travel to as many colleges as possible. Be sure to call ahead to find out about interviews, tour times or group information sessions. Meet coaches, department chairs and anyone else you can while on campus.
· Fall and winter sports athletes who plan to play in college should try to make contact with college coaches.
· Reserve some time every week or so to work on essays, study vocabulary or brush up on math skills.