prospective juniors
Beginning to plan for college?
Great! We want to help you. Follow the timeline below and get a headstart on your college planning.
JUNIOR YEAR - FALL
Start the College Search
Think about you and your future college: Make lists of your abilities, preferences, and personal qualities. List things you may want to study and do in college.
Next, make a list of characteristics that you would like in a college. Include things like size, geographic location, religious affilitation, type of college, and educational philosophy.
Keep these lists handy and add to them as you continue your college research.
Take the PSAT / NMSQT
See your high school counselor to and sign up early to take the PSAT / NMSQT in October. Click here to find testing tips and a free practice test.
Start Thinking about Financial Aid
Talk with your high school counselor about your college plans and plan to attend a college fair, a college night or a financial aid night in your area.
You can get an estimate on how much financial aid you can receive at Carroll College by completing the Early Aid Estimator.
JUNIOR YEAR - WINTER
Plan Your Spring Testing Schedule
Your PSAT / NMSQT Score Report arrives in December. Use it to improve your testing skills and prepare for the SAT. You can practice more here.
Resister for the ACT or SAT. Click here to see testing dates and to register for the SAT. Click here to see testing dates and to register for the ACT.
JUNIOR YEAR - SPRING
Explore Colleges
Start visiting local colleges: large, small, public, and private. Find out what you like and what you do not like.
Develop a list of 10-15 colleges that interest you. Take a look back at the list of characteristics that you developed earlier in the year.
Prepare for Spring Tests
Register for the ACT or the SAT if you have done so yet.
Plan Ahead for the Summer & Senior Year
Meet with your high school counselor and review your senior year class schedule. Be sure to challenge yourself with honors and AP classes and stick with sequences you have begun.
Plan summer activities early. Enrich yourself by volunteering, getting an interesting job or internship, or signing up for special summer learning programs.
Develop a summer reading list. Chat with your favorite teachers to get a few recommendations.
POST JUNIOR YEAR - SUMMER
Keep Up the Momentum
Visit colleges. Take campus tours and, at colleges that you're serious about, schedule meetings with admission counselors. Click here to schedule a visit to Carroll College. Be sure to bring a list of questions that you want answered.
Don't forget that summer reading list. Keeping your brain engaged over the summer will also make for great conversation during your college visits!
Still have questions?
Give us a call at 1-800-992-3648. Our admission counselors are here to assist you in planning for college. We'll answer your questions about Carroll College or about how to plan ahead for any college.
Good luck!