Get Ready for College Apps: 5 Steps for High School Juniors

The Spring Semester has arrived, and for high school juniors, it’s a pivotal time to start preparing for the college application season. By beginning now, you can stay organized, reduce stress, and position yourself for success when college applications open this summer. Follow these five essential steps to make the most of your spring semester.

1. Solidify Your College List

Crafting a well-rounded college list is one of the most critical tasks this spring. Aim for a list of 7-10 schools where your academic profile—test scores, GPA, and class rank—falls within the middle 50% range of admitted students. The key variable in your list should be the school’s acceptance rate, not whether your grades and scores are competitive.

Utilize tools like College Navigator to research test score ranges, acceptance rates, and other vital data. Ensure your list includes a mix of reach, target, and safety schools to maximize your opportunities.

2. Determine Your Target Test Score

Once you’ve identified the test score ranges for your prospective colleges, set a clear target score. Your goal should be to score above the median for the best chance of admission. Even if a school is test-optional, submitting scores that fall within or above their middle 50% range can strengthen your application. If you’ve already taken a standardized test, use your results to guide your preparation strategy.

3. Plan Your Test Dates

Spring offers multiple opportunities to take the SAT and ACT. Planning ahead ensures you have sufficient time to prepare. Here are the available dates:

• ACT: February, April, June
• SAT: March, May, June

Many high schools also offer School Day testing, so check with your counselor to see if this option is available. Plan to take the test at least twice, giving yourself a chance to improve your score and gain familiarity with the format.

4. Prepare for the Tests

Effective preparation is essential for achieving your target score. If you haven’t started yet, consider enrolling in a structured test prep program. Our Test Prep Boot Camp can help you increase your SAT score by 180-200 points or your ACT score by 4-5 points in just eight weeks. For students needing more personalized support, one-on-one tutoring through our Test Prep Academy provides focused coaching tailored to your needs.

5. Secure Letters of Recommendation

Colleges typically require two letters of recommendation, often from teachers. The ideal time to ask is after AP exams and before final exams. Choose teachers from classes where you excelled or completed work you’re proud of. When making the request, keep it straightforward:

“I’m going to be working on my college applications this summer and wondered if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me.”

Most teachers will agree, but it’s important to ask early so they have ample time. Be sure to find out what information they need, such as an academic resume or a list of accomplishments, to streamline the process.

Final Thoughts

Taking these five steps now will set you up for success during the summer and fall. By solidifying your college list, setting a clear test score goal, planning test dates, preparing effectively, and securing strong recommendations, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle your college applications with confidence.

Need guidance to get started? Schedule a free consultation with a college admissions expert and get personalized support on your college journey!