Junior year of high school is often called the make-or-break year for college admissions. Your grades, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities carry the most weight with colleges during this time. By preparing early in 11th grade, you’ll stay organized, strengthen your academic profile, and feel confident heading into college application season.
In this article, we share a detailed junior year of high school timeline to help you stay on track for college admissions, including tips for preparing for the SAT/ACT and strategies to make the most of your summer.
The importance of starting college planning early
It is important to start preparing for the college application process early, especially if you are considering applying to competitive and highly selective schools. Maximizing your standardized test scores requires many study hours and getting that perfect personal statement requires many drafts. The more proactive you are in preparing your application materials, the more competitive your application will be. By getting ahead in 11th grade, you’ll reduce stress and build a more competitive application profile.
Planning early also positions you for college application deadlines like Early Action and Early Decision. These applications are typically due in November of senior year, and applying early can come with major advantages: higher chances of admission, better consideration for merit scholarships, and an earlier admissions decision compared to regular applicants.
How to prepare for junior year
Junior year is one of the most important times in high school for college preparation. This is the year to focus on challenging coursework, strengthen your extracurricular involvement, and start planning for standardized tests and college applications. Laying the groundwork now will set you up for a smooth and successful admissions process.
Build your college list
Start your college search by identifying schools that align with your academic goals, personal interests, and long-term plans. Aim for a balanced list that includes safety, match, and reach schools. Think about what matters most to you in a college experience, such as available majors, campus culture, or class sizes.
If you need help getting started, our article on choosing the right college, which outlines the most important factors to keep in mind as you build your list.
Brainstorm ideas for your personal statement and begin writing a draft
Start thinking about your personal statement early in junior year. It is your chance to share a story or experience that reveals something meaningful about who you are. A strong personal statement communicates who you are, what matters to you, and what you’re working toward.
Since the personal statement is often one of the most challenging parts of the college application process, getting started early gives you time to reflect, revise, and gather feedback from teachers, mentors, or counselors. For expert tips and strategies, watch our webinar, Personal Statement and College Essay Writing, hosted by Prepory’s Program Director, Taylor P.
Take the SAT and/or ACT
Since you will need to register for a test several weeks in advance, it’s important to start reviewing SAT and ACT dates early in your junior year. After registering, make sure to give yourself enough time to prepare properly. Taking these exams without studying can lead to lower scores, which may need to be reported to colleges depending on their testing policies. If you’re unsure which test is a better fit, try both and then focus your efforts on the one that plays to your strengths. To see how testing fits into the bigger picture, check out our blog on the college application process.
Khan Academy has great SAT prep resources and the College Board has 10 full sample tests with solutions online. For the ACT, Kaplan has a daily practice question, as well as 20-minute ACT prep workouts.
Plan out who you will ask for letters of recommendation
Many colleges require one to three letters of recommendation as part of your college application. These are typically written by teachers, but some schools also accept letters from coaches, supervisors, or other mentors who know you well. Start thinking early about who you might ask. Building strong relationships now will help your recommenders write more personalized letters that support your academic goals and give admissions officers a clearer picture of who you are.
Work on your résumé
Some colleges allow you to submit a résumé as an optional part of your college application. If you plan to interview with an admissions officer or alum, having a well-prepared résumé can help you make a strong impression. Your high school résumé should include your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any relevant job experience. It’s also a helpful tool when drafting your personal statement, as it gives you a clear view of your accomplishments and the experiences that have shaped you. Try our free Prepory Resume Maker to build a polished, professional résumé in minutes.
Meet with your counselor
Make it a priority to meet with your high school guidance counselor during 11th grade to discuss your college plans. Your counselor will likely have to write you a counselor recommendation as a part of your college applications. Getting to know them well early on is the difference between a vague recommendation and a glowing recommendation.
Plan your summer
The summer before senior year is the last chance to gain experiences to incorporate into your college applications. Use this time wisely by pursuing opportunities that are both productive and aligned with your goals.
Some strong ways to spend your summer include:
- Participating in a college summer program to explore academic interests and experience campus life
- Interning with a business or organization related to a potential career path
- Working a paid job to build responsibility and save for college expenses
- Volunteering for a cause you care about to show commitment to your community
- Completing a creative or personal project that highlights your passions
For even more ideas, check out our blog on 25 summer activities that look good on college applications.
Keep up with your grades
Junior and senior year grades are the most important on your transcript. It’s important that college admissions officers see evidence that you are not only taking challenging coursework but excelling in it.
Get familiar with the college application process
As you move through junior year, start learning what the college application process actually looks like. From the Common App to supplemental essays and letters of recommendation, understanding what’s ahead will help you stay organized and reduce stress during senior year. Knowing when to request materials, how to build a balanced college list, and what admissions officers are looking for gives you a major advantage. For a full breakdown, read our guide on the college application process.
Develop a game plan for your senior year
Develop a game plan for your senior year. As your junior year is wrapping up, make sure to set aside some time during the summer to develop your college application game plan. You’ll want as much time as possible during your senior year to put together your applications and you’ll feel much better if you get a head start.
The summer before your senior year is a good time to work on any of the following:
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Drafting your personal statement and getting feedback
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Finalizing your college application list
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Practicing to take the SAT and/or ACT
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Researching all of your application requirements and deadlines
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Familiarizing yourself with the components of the college application process and financial aid application process
Planning for success in 11th grade
Junior year plays a critical role in shaping your college admissions journey. From strengthening your academic profile to preparing key application materials, planning ahead gives you the time and confidence to navigate the process successfully.
Check out our College Planning Checklist for Juniors to learn how to stay organized, focused, and on track throughout 11th grade.
Still have questions about how to prepare for college as a junior? Contact us to speak with a college admissions expert.
FAQ: How to prepare for college in junior year
During junior year of high school, focus on maintaining strong grades, preparing for standardized tests, building your college list, and drafting your personal statement. This is a key time to get ahead on college applications and stay on track with deadlines.
The earlier the better. Starting college planning early helps you stay organized, build a strong academic and extracurricular profile, and reduce stress during application season. To learn more about our college counseling services, click here.
Junior year is often the most demanding because of challenging coursework, SAT/ACT prep, and increased responsibilities. Colleges closely review your 11th grade transcript, making it a critical year for academic performance and college preparation.
Junior year is typically used to prepare application materials, explore potential colleges, and take standardized tests. This is a great time to build momentum and set yourself up for a strong application season ahead.
Colleges look for strong grades in rigorous courses, consistent extracurricular involvement, leadership potential, and early preparation for college applications. They also value students who show initiative and personal growth during junior year.
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