Juniors
Junior Year
The junior year is a time to seriously begin to consider your post-secondary options. It is also the year to take college placements tests and start searching for scholarships. Think about your career path and your post high school goals. Establish a plan to reach your career goals. Communicate with your parents, teachers, and school counselors.
1. Take appropriate tests.
Identify important factors in choosing a two or four year school if you plan to continue your education. Compare costs, locations, atmospheres, and study programs. Consult college guidebooks available in the high school guidance office and public library. List the schools you are considering and collect information on each school. Visit schools on your list, and attend the college fairs or college night programs. Take the appropriate college admission test.
Talk to military recruiters and arrange to take the ASVAB. (Mandatory for all Juniors)
Investigate apprenticeship opportunities, and talk to a counselor about application procedures.
2. Academic Progress
Continue to monitor your academic progress.
3. Post-High School Discussions
Talk about college, tech school, or post-high school career options.
4. ACT/SAT Registration
Register for the ACT (American College Test) and/or the SAT I (Scholastic Assessment Test) early in the spring. PHS students usually take the ACT. Students can pick up registration packets and study guides in the high school guidance office.
5. Make College Visits
PHS allows one day for college visits without affecting your attendance. See the attendance officer for information on more than one college visit day.
6. Course Selection for Your Senior Year
Be certain that senior courses meet all requirements for graduation, for the college(s) you may attend, and for NCAA clearing house. Continue taking college prep courses, even though you may feel like "taking it easy" your senior year. College applications generally request a list of senior courses as colleges want to see that students are continuing to follow a strong college preparatory program through their senior year.
7. Look Into Available Scholarships
Although you will complete the majority of your scholarship applications during the first half of your senior year, you should start looking at scholarship possibilities during your junior year. One website that is recommended to use is: www.fastweb.com.
8. Activities, Awards and Work Experience List
At the end of the year, update your "Activities, Awards and Experience" file. This will help you put together a resume for college, scholarship or job applications.
9. Investigate Part-Time Employment Opportunities
Create a resume to be used when you see part-time employment opportunities you'd like to explore. Work experience always looks great on a scholarship, college or employment application. In addition, the money you earn will be a good way to save for college expenses should you decide to continue your education.