Junior Year College Planning Guide
Where am I?
Fall Junior Year
Create a preliminary list of colleges. Take advantage of online search engines such as www.collegeboard.com, www.petersons.com, and www.princetonreview.com. Do not rely solely on the information available on these websites, but they can be a good way to start researching! Developing your list: Have at least one in-state option. Make sure your list offers a range of selectivity - at least one school whose admission requirements you easily met; a couple of schools where you would fall right about their average; and have your “dream” school if you so wish!
Naviance-Family Connection (connection.naviance.com/kirkwood) Take advantage of this resource as you research and apply to schools. (If you lose your log-in information, see your grade level or college counselor.)
Meet with college reps who come to KHS. Learn about the specifics of each school and have your questions answered. This is also a great time to get to know the admissions officer who will probably be reviewing your application. In September and October we often have as many as eight colleges visit each day!
College Speaker Night At KHS. Attend college speaker night on Monday, October 3rd. We will be highlighting the highly selective admission process, financial aid breakdown, panel of distinguished post-secondary options for high school graduates and much more.
Attend college fairs and receptions whenever possible. The St Louis area holds many college fairs throughout the year. The NACAC Fall College Fair will be held at Saint Louis University on Sunday, October 16th from 12-3pm. The Collaborative College Fair will take place at Meramec Community College on Monday, October 17th from 6-7:30 pm. Both fairs will host over 100 colleges from around the country! Many times universities will host regional receptions as well. We strongly recommend that you attend these whenever possible. Keep an eye out for similar upcoming events, which will be posted in the GAC and on the scrolling announcements.
Register For PSAT. The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is the qualifying test juniors must take to enter nationwide scholarship competitions conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Sign up is Sept. 19 – Sept. 30. Cost is $18; register in the KHS Guidance Office. The test is Wednesday, October 12thth, at Kirkwood High School. The test will begin at 7:50 a.m; bring your school I.D., #2 pencils and calculator. Although no question will require a calculator to find the answer, it is strongly recommended that you bring a calculator (four-function, scientific, or graphing).
Maintain your grades! Every semester is extremely important. Keep working hard through the end of your senior year and keep taking challenging courses. Demonstrate to schools that you will succeed academically at the college level.
Build Your Resume. Remember to get involved in extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership opportunities.
Maintain your relationship with your grade level counselor. Keep working with your grade level counselor for high school planning and college related questions.
Spring Junior Year
Get to know your college counselor: We are here to help you through this process! The more we get to know you, the better we can assist you.
Sign up for, prep for, and take the ACT and/or SAT. You may pick up a paper registration packet in Mrs. McClure’s office or register online. You may take each test more than once, as colleges will use your highest score when they evaluate your application. Use Naviance for 2 free practice ACT tests.
ACT (www.actstudent.org) Five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional writing section. Some colleges require the writing section, and others will accept it in place of SAT Subject Tests. It is in your best interest to take the ACT test with writing just to be safe! Highest possible score: 36
Upcoming Dates: February 11, 2012(deadline to register: Jan 13th), April 14th, 2012(deadline to register: Mar 9), and June 9, 2012 (deadline to register: May 4).
SAT (www.collegeboard.com) Three sections: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. The Writing section is not optional. Highest possible score: 800 on each section for a total of 2400.
Upcoming Dates: Jan 28, 2012 (Dec 30/deadline) March 10 (Feb 10/ deadline), May 5 (Apr 6/ deadline), June 2, 2012 (May 8/deadline).
SAT Subject Tests. These tests are subject-specific, hour-long exams targeting areas such as English, Foreign Language, Science, Math, and Social Studies. While not all colleges/ universities require these exams, it is important that you review each school’s application requirements and plan accordingly! It is often best to take a subject test shortly after having completed the academic course upon which the material is based. Highest possible score: 800 on each subject test.
Upcoming Dates: Jan 28, 2012 (Dec 30/deadline), May 5, 2012 (Apr 6/deadline), June 2, 2012 (May 8/deadline).
Visit campuses! This is the best way to get a true feel for a campus. In addition to the information sessions, interviews, and tours, walk around campus (and the area around campus), talk to students other than your tour guide, eat the campus food, sit in on classes, etc. Schedule your visit through the admissions office, online, or over the phone. Allow at least two weeks to arrange your visit!
Letters of Recommendation. If you are applying to a private or selective college, teacher letters of recommendations will probably be required. Ask two to three teachers in your core academic areas for letters. Asking now will make it easier for you during your senior year.
.
