Across the country, high school students are loading up their backpacks and heading back to school. For incoming juniors, this year is a big deal. In many states, this is the first year students will be able to hold down an after-school job, earn their driver’s license, and go to prom. But it’s more than just a big year socially – the move from under- to upper-classmen is pivotal for college applications. Here’s why:
1. It’s the last full academic year on the transcript.
Students applying to college submit their applications in either late October (before the Nov 1st early deadline) or late December (before the Jan 1st regular deadline). This means that college admissions decisions are based heavily on junior year grades.
2. Leadership opportunities.
Many schools restrict participation in club and sport leadership to upperclassmen. This year marks a student’s chance to snag that title: Club President, Varsity MVP, or Captain. The longer a leadership position is held, the higher it is valued.
3. Academic rigor intensifies.
Some schools restrict Advanced Placement courses to upperclassmen, or they require foundational pre-requisites. Junior year is a student’s opportunity to up the ante when it comes to their coursework. Students who take AP Exams in the spring can include these scores on their college applications in the fall.
4. There’s still time.
Students in junior year are at the perfect balancing point – they’ve been at their school for two full years already, and know what extracurriculars exist. On the other hand, they aren’t swamped with college applications and future plans. This is the time to start a club, volunteer effort, or organize a community event that means something to you. Whether it be raising funds for charity, cleaning up your local park, or starting a club devoted to your niche interest – we say, go for it!
5. Test Scores.
While many schools remain test-optional, several have ended – or will end – their temporary test-optional policies by the time current juniors will apply to college. Some schools that require tests include MIT, Georgetown, and Florida state schools. For a full list of test policies, check out our list here. Students should be studying for the SAT or ACT throughout their junior year, and register for test dates in the spring and summer. With a good test score under your belt, you won’t be juggling school work, application essays, and test-prep come fall of senior year.
Overwhelmed?
Aristotle Circle is here to help. Our comprehensive college admissions counseling package includes unlimited one-to-one meetings with a NACAC certified college admissions counselor, as well as essay guidance, resume development, and assistance with course selection to best position students for success in the college search. We also have an expansive team of professional SAT and ACT tutors who will meet you where you are, build skills, and teach you test-taking strategies for a top score. Our students have matriculated to the top universities in the US and abroad; our record speaks for itself. Let us take the stress out of the equation. Give us a call at 212-360-2301 or email us at info@aristotlecircle.com for a free quote today.
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