This is your year to apply to college. Here is a short list of items to either keep working on or to get started on.

1. Junior Year grades and activities: This year is the most important for your grades and activities. If your transcript shows in improvement in your grades during 11th grade, it will be looked upon highly. Keep up your studies.

ASK QUESTIONS if you are struggling in a course. The only person who will regret not taking ownership of his/her studies is his/herself.

Time management and taking ownership of understanding course content is the student’s responsibility. Make sure to stay on top of both of these items but using a planner, meeting with teachers during after school hours or ‘drop’ class sessions to make sure you understand what will be asked of you on the next test.

2. In May or June, you will need to ask 2 teachers for a letter of recommendation.

a. Ask in person

b. Say thank you

c. Share with them why you are asking

d. Ask a teacher that has had you in his/her class preferably during junior or sophomore year(s).

3. Standardized Tests: Do you know which test you are taking? SAT or ACT? Create a plan on when to take it and either take a prep class or hire a tutor to help you prepare. Test strategy is KEY to succeeding on both tests. (And by all means, do not register for the June ACT if your Junior Prom is the night before.)

4. Also plan your time to visit campuses and research schools with your parents. Spring break is a great time in April as colleges are still in session. Many offer open houses on the weekends too.

5. Summer plans: Working, going to camp, going on a fancy vacation? Regardless, please plan on writing your common app essay during the summer months. You will not regret this.

Good Luck!