High School Juniors
Senior year is around the corner, but you are in the perfect year to start planning for the next steps in your academic journey. Are you wondering what can you do now to prepare for your senior year?
Junior Checklist
Access your junior checklist here or in the image next to this text. You may also access the Spanish version now.
Whether you just joined our program or have been part of it since your freshman year, this checklist lists all the important items you'll need to know and work on during your junior year of high school in order to prepare for college, your future career and beyond!.
For any questions, remember to consult with your Talent Search Advisor.
Summer Tips Before Your Senior Year
Finish Strong Academically
Although online & hybrid learning is different from being in the classroom every day, you can make it a positive experience. Learning is like building blocks, information “builds” on each other. What you learn now, will help you next year! Check out our Study Tips page or let your advisor know that interested, we can pair you with a tutor
Explore Colleges & Universities Online
While researching campuses you’ll want to find out: where they’re located, what “campus life” is like, what activities are offered to students and you’ll especially want to make sure they have your major. You’ll also want to find out about their cost of attendance, internship and scholarship opportunities, and work partnerships they have established in the community.
Start on College Applications
If you’ll be applying to UC's and private schools, you’ll want to start on your Personal Insight Questions (PIQ’s) and Personal Statements. If you’re planning on applying to schools within the CSU System, you can create an account on the CaliforniaColleges.edu and use their Academic Planner to plan and track your “a-g” classes.
Study for and take the SAT or ACT
Although many colleges have temporarily suspended this requirement due to the pandemic (like the CSU System) or made them optional (like the UC System), you’re still encouraged to take them if you can. These test scores may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement and some scholarships might still require them.
Create your FSA ID for your FAFSA
Every student who fills out a FAFSA, will first need to create their Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. You’ll need your Social Security # to create your FSA ID.
Visit our Financial Aid page for information and tips about the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), FSA ID, Financial Aid terminology and the Financial Aid process.
Get Involved!
(Virtually or In Person)
There are many opportunities to participate in during the summer. You could earn money, volunteer, meet new people, learn a new skill or explore one of your interests working with a local organization or virtually. It will make your summer more enjoyable & it looks great on college applications. Check out our Calendar Events and Internships Page regularly for opportunities.