As college applications are sent during the fall semester of senior year, this is the last academic year that is fully reflected in the Grade Point Average that appears on a student’s academic transcript.

Avoid burnout, and stay motivated.

If students become overly stressed due to their workload, which probably includes AP® classes and extracurriculars, then it is not too late to adjust habits in a way that addresses these concerns.

Explore new subjects through electives.

Electives allow students to explore new subjects and identify potential interests, to which they may not have had prior exposure.

Finish up standardized testing.

Taking the PSAT/NMSQT® early and either the ACT® or SAT® before the end of the junior year will allow a student, if necessary, to sit for the exam again early senior year. Juniors taking the PSAT/NMSQT® have the opportunity to achieve National Merit Scholarship recognition based upon how their scores compare to other juniors across the country and within their own state. Not only does achieving National Merit recognition allow for a student to potentially receive money for college, but this achievement is also noted on a student’s college application.

All juniors should also be taking classes in the following areas: English, math, science, social science, and foreign language. Most students will take algebra 2, trigonometry, or pre-calculus for math, biology, chemistry, or physics for science, and United States history as their social science.

Students looking to apply to the most competitive colleges should also explore taking SAT® Subject Tests as juniors. It is important to note that the Subject Test expectations for each college are different, so it is important for students to consult with their guidance/college counselor when deciding which exams to take. For students taking Advanced Placement exams during their junior year, it is a good idea to take that particular SAT® Subject Test at or near the same time as the Advanced Placement exam, so that the subject area is fresh in students’ minds.

Juniors should also continue participation in extracurriculars and potentially ascend into leadership roles. For students that have not participated in extracurricular activities to this point in time, it is important to get involved to both build their leadership skills and to enrich their college applications.

Opportunities for Growth

A Students

For academically high achieving juniors, it is necessary to support this previous work with elite scores on standardized assessments.

For these students, it is also important to identify motivations to continue the work that has led to success during the previous two years. Beyond just the motivation of going to college, it is important for students to identify what particular college(s) they hope to attend, what they hope to study or achieve when they get to college, and what they may want to do after college. Establishing firm goals and objective finish lines can motivate a students’ sustained achievement despite their increased workload.

It is also essential that these students enrich their college applications beyond academic achievement and standardized test scores. The activities that appear in a student’s application beyond transcripts and test scores demonstrate the unique qualities that applicants will bring to an incoming class at a college.

B Students

Juniors that have received less than elite academic results have one final opportunity to demonstrate the skills and content mastery that are necessary to give their grade point average the extra bump and distinguish their college applications from the crowd.

Ascending from predominantly B’s to predominantly A’s is also important for the class choices a student has as a senior.

C or Below Students

Juniors that are receiving predominantly C grades or below have a final opportunity to improve their high school academic performance

This skill-building not only allows for higher grades in the interim, but it will also have residue in student performance on standardized exams. This is particularly important as a high ACT®/SAT® score provides an opportunity for these students to somewhat compensate for a lower grade point average.

Similar to standardized exams, extracurricular activities provide an opportunity for students to create a more well-rounded impression when applying to college. Leadership roles in sports, student organizations, or student activities can provide depth to a student’s profile beyond the quantitative measures of Grade Point Average and standardized test scores.