Join us for Avoiding Common College Application Pitfalls on 7/9 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Join us for Avoiding Common College Application Pitfalls on 7/9 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Updated on June 19, 2025
As a freshman in high school, you were excited to be at a new school with new responsibilities, teachers, classes and sports. As a sophomore, you grew, studied hard and enhanced your skills in athletics, community service and classwork. Now you are a junior, and the idea of life at college has crept into your mind, and it is a very attainable dream. It’s time to get to work to make that dream a reality! Here are five actionable items that you can do as a junior to make your college search as smooth and successful as possible:
As a junior, your classes should become a bit more challenging and work-intensive. This may seem tedious, but will help in the long-run to better prepare you for your college level coursework. More Honors and AP classes means more hours spent studying, but it will pay off with potential college credit, look great on your applications and help your weighted GPA!
Staying after school for extra-help with your teachers is a great way to expand your knowledge on a subject and get to know your teachers better. Strengthening these relationships will make it much easier for you to ask and receive wonderful letters of recommendation from teachers who know you and your interests.
Junior year is the right time to get ahead and begin researching colleges. You will have more time to visit each college (even if just virtually for the time being), will be able to commit more time to each application and likely be less stressed out during the process. One to two “safety” schools, three to four “target” schools and an equal number of “reach” schools, are recommended. Applying to schools while balancing all of your other responsibilities in your senior year can get very hectic, so it is important to get ahead of the curve.
As 6 of the 8 Ivy League schools have reinstated standardized testing requirements, SAT or ACT scores may no longer be optional for many top-tier applicants. Even beyond the Ivies, strong test scores can still play a significant role in admissions decisions, scholarship eligibility, and program placement. Junior year is the time to get serious: start by taking a diagnostic test to determine whether the SAT or ACT is a better fit. Then, map out a realistic testing timeline, aiming to take your first official exam in the spring or summer. Register early to secure your preferred date and location, and stick to a prep strategy that works for you—whether it’s self-study, online resources, or tutoring. Don’t forget to check if your target schools superscore, which could influence your testing plan and preparation strategy.
Top colleges aren’t just looking for students with strong academics—they want individuals who show initiative and take on leadership roles within their communities. By junior year, you should have narrowed your extracurriculars to two or three core interests. Now is the time to deepen your involvement and aim for leadership positions. If you’ve been on the volleyball team since freshman year, consider trying out for team captain. If you’re involved in student government, think about running for a more influential role. Admissions officers look for upward progression and tangible impact, so reflect on how your responsibilities have grown and how you’ve contributed to the success of your team, club, or organization.
Not every leader is front and center—and that’s okay. Colleges also value “quiet leaders”: students who lead by example, support others, and drive impact behind the scenes. Maybe you’re the one who organizes meetings, keeps your team on track, or mentors younger members of a club. These contributions are just as meaningful as holding an official title. What matters most is your initiative, consistency, and the difference you make in your community. When describing your activities, focus on how you’ve taken ownership, solved problems, or helped others grow—even if your leadership isn’t loud or obvious.
The college application process can be a burden, but it can also be extraordinarily exciting! Taking the time to plan ahead and have a strategy in place can make all the difference. As always, our counselors are here to guide you through this important year.
