12 Oct Road Map for October: Juniors

I hope your junior year is off to a strong start! This is an exciting and busy time, with challenging classes, leadership roles, and new opportunities to explore. Remember that your top priority continues to be your academic performance—more than any other piece of your application, colleges pay close attention to your transcript. If your grades are trending upward, that’s a great sign, and if you set goals for yourself, focus on the process as much as the outcome. Submitting assignments on time, studying consistently, and asking for help when needed all make a difference.

Most of you have either just taken or are about to take the PSAT.  Treat it as a diagnostic—an early checkpoint on your standardized-testing path. Between now and when your scores are released, take a practice ACT so you can compare scores and decide which test is your best option. It’s also time to start outlining your testing calendar. Consider when your preferred test is offered and other commitments you’ll want to work around, such as AP exams, athletics, theater performances or other activities that keep you busy. And you should make every effort to complete testing before senior year starts—trust me when I say next fall will be busy and you’ll be glad to have testing off your plate.

Finally, make time for a few campus visits this fall and winter. Even a couple of local tours can help you identify what kind of college environment feels right for you. If travel isn’t possible, virtual info sessions are valuable too, and colleges often track attendance as a sign of demonstrated interest.

If you’d like personalized help building your testing plan, understanding the latest updates on digital testing and test-optional admissions, organizing visits, or starting your college list, this is the perfect time to connect with me for one-on-one advising.  I hope to hear from you!