If you’re the parent of a high school junior, you’ve probably started hearing more about SATs, college visits, and application deadlines. Maybe your student has even mentioned feeling stressed about the process. And if you’re like most parents, you might be thinking, Isn’t it a little early to be worrying about college applications?
The reality? Junior year is a critical time in the college admissions journey. Decisions made now—academic choices, extracurricular involvement, college research—will shape the opportunities available when it’s time to apply. By getting ahead now, your student can avoid last-minute panic and present the strongest possible application to colleges.
So, what should a high school junior be doing right now? Here’s a roadmap to help your student stay on track.
1. Plan a Rigorous Senior Year Schedule
A lighter senior year might sound tempting, but colleges pay close attention to course selection. A rigorous senior year shows commitment to academic growth and helps students stay prepared for college-level work.
✅ Sign up for AP, IB, or honors courses (where appropriate).
✅ Continue challenging subjects rather than opting for easy electives.
✅ Balance rigor with manageability—overloading can backfire if grades suffer.
2. Keep Those Grades Strong
Colleges consider junior year the most important year academically. It’s the last full year of grades they’ll see before making an admissions decision. A strong academic record can boost an application significantly, while a decline in performance can raise red flags.
✅ Prioritize challenging coursework—colleges want to see students pushing themselves.
✅ Seek help early if grades start slipping (tutoring, extra help from teachers, study groups).
✅ Stay engaged and finish the year strong—junior year grades are key!
3. Take on Leadership Roles in Extracurricular Activities
Junior year is the time to step up. Whether it’s a leadership position in a club, sports team, or volunteer organization, colleges value students who take initiative.
✅ Focus on depth over breadth—being deeply involved in a few activities is better than joining many with little impact.
✅ Pursue leadership roles where your student can make a difference.
✅ Engage in activities that align with academic and career interests.
4. Start Researching Colleges, Majors, and Careers
College fit isn’t just about ranking—it’s about finding the right academic, social, and financial match. Now is the time to start researching options and refining a college list.
✅ Use online tools like BigFuture (College Board), Naviance, or individual college websites.
✅ Look into different majors and career paths—does your student have an idea of what they want to study?
✅ Make a list of potential colleges, balancing reach, match, and safety schools.
5. Visit Colleges (Virtually or In-Person)
There’s no substitute for seeing a college in person. Campus visits can help students determine what environments feel right and demonstrate interest to admissions offices.
✅ Schedule tours over spring break or long weekends.
✅ Sit in on a class or meet with an admissions officer if possible.
✅ Take virtual tours for schools that are farther away.
6. Consider Which Teachers Will Write Letters of Recommendation
Many colleges require two teacher recommendations—typically from junior year teachers. The best letters come from teachers who know the student well and can speak to their strengths.
✅ Identify teachers in subjects related to the intended major (if known).
✅ Foster strong relationships—encourage participation in class discussions and seeking extra help when needed.
✅ Plan to ask teachers before the end of junior year (recommendation requests pile up quickly in the fall).
7. Have Family Conversations About College Expectations
Now is the time to align expectations around finances, location, and college preferences. These conversations will help avoid surprises senior year.
✅ Discuss financial realities—what’s affordable? Will your student need merit scholarships?
✅ Talk about geographic preferences—close to home or across the country?
✅ Explore different types of colleges—big vs. small, public vs. private, liberal arts vs. research university.
8. Engage with Colleges of Interest
Colleges track demonstrated interest, and engaging with a school can make a difference in admissions—especially at smaller, private institutions.
✅ Sign up for email lists to receive updates and event invitations.
✅ Attend virtual or in-person admissions sessions.
✅ Follow colleges on social media and interact with their content.
9. Plan a Productive Summer
The summer before senior year is an opportunity to strengthen applications through work, service, or academic programs. Colleges value students who make good use of their time.
✅ Secure a summer job or internship to gain real-world experience.
✅ Enroll in a pre-college program or academic course related to potential majors.
✅ Volunteer in meaningful ways—community service demonstrates character and commitment.
✅ Visit more colleges while campuses are still active.
10. Consider Hiring a College Admissions Advisor
With so many moving parts, a college admissions advisor can provide structure, strategy, and accountability—making the process smoother for both students and parents.
✅ Personalized guidance on building a strong college list.
✅ Expert advice on applications, essays, and recommendation letters.
✅ A structured timeline to keep students on track (and reduce parent-student conflict!).
Feeling Overwhelmed? That’s Normal—And I Can Help!
The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone.
With years of experience in college admissions and as a parent of three students navigating this journey, I understand both the emotional and strategic aspects of applying to college. My approach is student-focused, results-driven, and designed to help students find the right college fit—not just chase prestige.
If your junior could use expert guidance, accountability, and a clear plan, I’d love to help. Let’s take the stress out of the process and ensure your student is set up for success.
