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
The Junior Guidance Lesson will take place on February 21 & 22 in English classes. At this lesson, counselors covered senior course selection, post-secondary options, COVID-19 impacts on college admissions and reviewed how to utilize SchooLinks as a college research tool, and other college search tools. The lesson is posted below for you to reference at your convenience.
The Junior Parent Presentation will be held on February 23 at 6:00pm in the OAR.
At this time, students are encouraged to start identifying their list of 20 schools of potential interest. Students should determine whether the SAT/ACT will be necessary to take. In May, we will meet again to review the college application process, essays, and what to do over the summer.
The second Junior Presentations are tentatively scheduled for late May (date will be announced soon). The counselors and CCC will present the College Application process and provide information on things to do now in preparation for the summer as a rising senior. The key take away point is to utilize SchooLinks as a research tool and begin building your list of 8-15 schools. Please find the presentation posted below as well as a supplemental checklist.
To locate the items needed as a Senior, such as the Counselor Letter of Recommendation Questionnaire, please visit the Senior tab.
Junior Individual Conference
All juniors meet with their counselor in late 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.
Junior Handbook
The Junior Handbook is a great tool to have on hand as you prepare to build your college list and navigate the college application process. Many chapters in this handbook review finding your path, starting the college search process, college visits, applying to college, financial aid, and more.
