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 an improvement in your grades during 11th grade, it will be looked upon highly. Keep up your studies.

2. 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 by using a planner or app, meeting with teachers before or after school hours, lunchtime or during ‘drop’ class sessions to make sure you understand what will be asked of you on the next test or quiz.

3. ASK QUESTIONS if you are struggling in a course. Show initiative. It builds character and good interpersonal skills too.

4. In April or May, you will need to ask 2 teachers for letters 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 their class preferably during junior or sophomore year(s).

5. 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 either test. (And by all means, do not register for the June ACT if your Junior Prom is the night before.)

6. Also plan 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.

7. Follow colleges’ TikTok, Instagram and Twitter (X) accounts. You will learn a lot about the school through their social media accounts!

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