How to Prepare for College as a High School Junior
Easy tips you can practice in this stage of life that will be immensely beneficial once college rolls around.
If you are like my former high school junior self, you’re probably already researching colleges and seeking ways to best set yourself up for college success. Or maybe you’re putting everything off until your senior year. In both cases, my encouragement is the same: you can totally do very easy, worthwhile things in this stage of life that will be immensely beneficial once college rolls around (trust me, it’ll be here faster than you think!).
- Dual Enrollment – Did you know that you can earn college credit from now at a significantly reduced price? Earning college credits early can shave a semester or a whole year from your undergrad program which saves you big $$$. Plus, you’ll get into the rhythm of taking college-level courses, flatten your learning-curve so you can say “this ain’t my first rodeo,” and conquer college like a champ. If you’re already considering a college, like King’s, be sure to look into their individual dual enrollment program.
Some colleges even offer special summer options where you can earn credit (like King’s Summer Academy). It’s like summer camp, but better.
- Outside Scholarships – Applying to outside scholarships (which you can use at any college) is a great way to help fund your education. Time is your friend, so take advantage now! Here are a few helpful tips to get you started.
- Visit Colleges – I loved visiting the top college on my list during my junior year of high school because I was able to observe the school without the pressure of having to make a college decision immediately afterward. You can get a head start in meeting Admissions staff and forming relationships with other students. Especially with many colleges hosting virtual visits, you can begin to make informed college decisions without ever leaving the comfort of your couch. You can join us for our final Inviso Virtual Visit of the season today, December 9th, 2020.
- Work – Whether it’s a summer job or babysitting for a family friend, any money you can start saving now is one more dollar in the college money jar. Lounging by the pool or purchasing yet another latte may be fun in the moment, but a little sacrifice now goes a very long way! It may just be the difference between you being able to attend your first choice school or settling for your third or fourth choice school.
- SAT/ACT/CLT – Even though many colleges are making the SAT/ACT/CLT optional for the Fall 2021 school year, it could be reimplemented as an admissions standard for Fall 2022 incoming students. Taking the SAT my junior year gave me wiggle-room to retake the test my senior year and work towards my desired score. Despite the many changes, it would be beneficial to keep an eye out for SAT/ACT/CLT test opportunities, so you can be ready for any changes in the general college admissions process.
Junior year is what I call the “chill year.” You’re nearing the end, but not quite there yet. Use this year wisely to invest in your future in a meaningful yet not-stressful way.
My last piece of advice would be to create healthy habits spiritually, physically, and academically that you can carry into your senior year of high school and future college life. Be on the lookout for a future post that delves deeper into this very topic!
// Photo by Jeswin Thomas //