Junior Counseling Services Overview
Junior year has the reputation of being one of the most challenging years you will experience in high school. Along with a more rigorous course load, many students dedicate much time to preparing for and taking the SAT and/or ACT. More discussion on the current state of standardized testing in the eyes of college admissions to come. Counselors prioritize the importance of a balanced and manageable schedule. Your counselor is available to help you throughout this year (and all other years). This year, you'll begin thinking about the college application process and develop your career interests, or other postsecondary plans you may have.
Junior Guidance Lessons 2025
The Junior Guidance Lessons will take place in two parts:
Junior Guidance Lessons Part 1 took place on January 27 & 28, 2025. Juniors will meet with their counselor and Mrs. Lewis in the College and Career Center for introductory dialogue on postsecondary research and planning.
Students were given an overview of two-year, four-year, and other paths including gap-year, vocational, and military options. A strong emphasis will be communicated that time is of essence when it comes to determining college fit, building a college list, visiting schools, and more as well as discussing opportunities for students not planning to apply to four year schools.
Junior Guidance Lessons Part 2 will take place on April 28 & 29 and will focus on summer preparation and plans, application platforms, essay writing, letters of recommendation, and more as well as opportunities for students who have plans that do not include four-year college.
For students pursuing four-year college after high school, there is much to begin doing now and during the summer before senior year. This includes getting organized, researching schools, working on updating your resume, essays, applications, and the Counselor Letter of Recommendation Questionnaire, which can be found on the Senior tab. (*Note: This will be updated for the Class of 2026.)
Junior Individual Conference
All juniors meet with their counselor in February to review their four-year plan, A-G requirements, and schedule for 12th grade. Counselors will make sure you are on track to meet graduation requirements.
PSAT/NMSQT
Junior year students have the opportunity to take the PSAT which counts as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). This test is used by the National Merit Scholarship (NMS) Corporation to qualify students for scholarships. If a student is a semi-finalist, they will have to complete an additional application in the fall of their senior year.
