College

The Secret to Making the Most of Your Junior Year

January 08, 2025

Published

While you’re enjoying the final stretch of junior year (and maybe already daydreaming about summer), it’s time to start thinking about how to set yourself up for college application success. Don’t worry; we’re not talking about writing essays just yet, but a little prep work now will make your senior year way less stressful.

 

Before Summer Hits:

  • Academic Ace: It’s crucial to finish your junior year on a high note. Your grades this year will play a significant role in your college applications, so give it your best shot.
  • Test-Taking Triumph: Take the SAT or ACT (or both!) and aim for your best score. You can always retake them later, but getting them out of the way now is smart.
  • Extracurricular Exploration: Engage in activities that truly interest you. Remember, colleges are looking for students who are academically strong and passionate about their hobbies and interests.
  • Resume Roundup: Start building a resume that showcases your achievements. Include your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and jobs.
  • College Curiosity: Begin researching colleges that interest you. Consider their size, location, academic programs, and campus culture.

 

Summer Sneak Peek:

  • Campus Crawls: Visit some colleges over the summer. It’s a great way to get a feel for the campus vibe and see if it suits you.
  • Teacher Thank Yous: Before school ends, identify teachers you might want to ask for letters of recommendation in the fall. A quick thank you for a great year can go a long way.
  • Community Connections: Continue or start volunteering in your community. It’s a great way to give back and boost your application.

 

Looking Ahead to Senior Year:

  • Goal Getter: Set some goals for your senior year, both academic and personal. What do you want to achieve?
  • Organization Master: Start thinking about how you’ll keep track of all those college application materials. A good organization system will save you a lot of headaches.

 

By taking these steps now, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth and successful college application process. And remember, DGCC is here to support you at every step, ensuring you’re never alone in this journey.