Getting college & career ready: Tips for juniors (11th grade)

This parent and family checklist will help your junior achieve big goals!

EMPHASIZE NEED TO PERFORM WELL

• Set goals for the academic year.
• Emphasize the importance of arriving at school on time every day.
• Review schoolwork regularly to ensure your student is on track.
• Help your student sustain good study habits.

• Ensure your student selects classes with their school counselor.
• Be present and vocal about your expectations.
• Meet with the guidance counselor to ensure your student is on track to graduate and possibly on track for a Bright Futures Scholarship.

HELP GET ORGANIZED

• Review your student's study and organizational needs and make necessary changes.
• Consider adding a list of your student's activities to a portfolio/electronic resume to help complete college applications.

HELP PREP FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTS

• Explore college test prep techniques and use free online practice tools such as Khan Academy if needed.
• In the fall, guide your student to take the PSAT/NSMQT to qualify for scholarships.
• In the winter, guide your student to take practice tests and learn helpful tips for the SAT or ACT.
• In the spring, the school district offers juniors a free SAT during the school day. Consider having your student sign up to take the ACT or another SAT in the late spring or summer to improve their scores. (Fee waivers for these tests are available if needed.)

SUPPORT INVOLVEMENT

• Encourage participation in school and community activities.
• Consider involving your student in volunteer organizations that you support.

HELP MAKE GOOD CHOICES

• Consider finding a mentor or trusted adult with whom your student can talk.
• Acknowledge and commend your student's positive behaviors and actions.
• Monitor social media and discuss the importance of your student's digital footprint, as colleges and potential employers likely will see online activity.
• Discuss the consequences of risky behaviors like drinking, drugs, vaping, etc.

• Research college and career options, and attend college fairs.
• Create a potential list of colleges, including majors, locations, tuition, fees and admission requirements.
• Make a list of application deadlines for each of those colleges.
• Visit your top college choices if possible. Request a tour and ask questions.
• Explore training programs, as well as registered apprenticeship opportunities that can provide career-ready certificates.

• Speak with a school counselor or college official about financial aid. Explore available scholarships online.
• Look at colleges individually to see how their tuition and fees add up.
• Complete the Federal Student Aid Estimator to determine how much financial aid you may be eligible to receive.
• Contribute to a post-secondary education savings account and encourage your student to contribute too with money from after-school or summer jobs.