How to Prepare for College Applications During Your Junior Year
Preparing for college in high school isn’t just reserved for senior year. Your junior year is just as important, with everything from college tours to job shadowing helping to create the strongest application possible to secure your spot at a school that serves your interests.
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While it may seem like senior year gets all the attention, your junior year of high school is just as important when it comes to preparing for college applications.
From college tours, to job shadowing, to taking advanced courses for college credit in high school, knowing how to prepare for college during your junior year is essential.
While your junior year is generally too early to begin submitting college applications, you can make a lot of progress by researching schools and planning for next year.
But with homework, after school jobs, and, you know, having a life, it can be tough to keep track of everything you need to prepare a successful college application.
We can help.
Discover how you can create a bulletproof college application checklist for your junior year and learn what you should prioritize to enter the college admissions process with ease.
Step One: Stay on Top of School
The most important way to prepare for college applications as a junior is to create the best possible academic transcript.
If applying in the early action window — or submitting your application anytime before the end of the year — your spring semester junior year transcripts will be the most complete record of your academic performance that colleges see before making a decision.
Not only does the combination of relevant classes and a high GPA (Pacific recommends at least a 3.0) strengthen your college application, but strong junior year transcripts can ensure substantial merit scholarships.
Apart from perfecting your transcript, other academic ways you can help prepare for college admissions during your junior year include:
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Taking high school courses for college credit. Whether through AP courses, IB curriculum, or at a nearby community college, getting high marks in these classes and their associated exams can boost your application.
Beside saving you money by earning college credit, having these rigorous classes on your transcript shows a willingness to take on and excel at difficult challenges.
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Taking standardized tests. While not always required (Pacific is a test-optional university), good scores on exams like the PSAT, SAT, or ACT can be included with your application. (Pacific’s codes: SAT: 4601, ACT: 3488)
These scores can be used to help make up for other areas of your application which may be below a school’s minimum guideline, or included to enhance an already strong application.
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Planning out senior year classes. Speaking with your high school guidance counselor can help you determine which classes taken during your senior year will help with your prospective major or degree program.
An enhanced GPA or high marks in specific classes during your senior year can enhance your college application if achieved before you receive an admissions decision.
Step Two: Plan College Tours at Schools that Interest You
You do not need to be a senior to visit a college campus and talk to an admissions counselor.
In fact, for those who want to apply early during their senior year and want to see campuses at their most lively, visiting during springtime in your junior year is ideal.
Not only do campus visits during your junior year allow you to explore what interests you about a particular college, but talking with faculty who share your passions can help refine what you want to focus on during your senior year.
Many schools, Pacific included, host special college open houses just for high school juniors that can be both virtual and in-person.
These open houses answer questions about everything from application requirements to campus life and are always free to attend.
Of course, if you live nearby, schools are always happy to give campus tours, answer admissions questions, and introduce you to influential staff during daily visits.
For those in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon Private College Week is an annual, free program that takes place every summer giving prospective students access to Pacific and nine other colleges!
Step Three: Delve Into Your Passions and Choose a Major
Your junior year is the perfect time to explore what interests you and use that information both on your college application and as a way to choose a major in a field you’re passionate about.
The high school environment is perfect for discovering new goals and interests that you can use when preparing for college applications in the coming months.
You can strengthen your application as a junior and help plan for a future career by:
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Volunteering at organizations that interest you. Whether you want to advocate for marginalized communities, champion accessible healthcare, or lead the next innovation in education, spending time helping in fields that inspire you can supercharge your application.
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Job shadowing. Preparing for college applications is the first step in finding a career that turns your passions into purpose.
The summer after your junior year is the perfect time to reach out to people working in the kinds of careers you aspire to and learn more about what they do and the training they needed.
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Connect with recommenders. Letters of recommendation are not required at Pacific for undergraduate applicants. However, they are an optional way to help create an even stronger application.
Speaking to your strengths, recommenders can come from anywhere, but those who’ve worked with you on passions projects are especially useful.
Step Four: Research and Reach Out
High school juniors cannot apply directly to colleges, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find out all they can about schools that match their personality.
Colleges, especially small, liberal arts universities like Pacific, love to hear from prospective students, even if they are just at the beginning of their college search.
For many, the first step in this process can be done at any time during their junior year: reaching out to an admissions counselor.
Admissions counselors can help steer you towards particular programs or career outcomes, and help you realize if a certain college is right for you.
By connecting with your personalized admissions counselor you will always have a name and email of someone you can talk to about your college application journey.
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