Don't Miss the Sweet Spot: A Guide to a Smooth Junior Year College Prep

As parents of a junior, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and, well, a healthy dose of "Oh no, college applications are coming!" Here's the good news: while junior year is undeniably crucial for college prep, it's definitely not too late to get started. By taking proactive steps now, you and your child can navigate this critical year with confidence and avoid the last-minute scramble that can lead to stress and missed opportunities.

Think of it like baking a delicious cake. You wouldn't wait to gather your ingredients until the oven is preheated, right? The same goes for college prep. By getting organized early in junior year, you have time to explore all the options, address any financial questions, and ensure a smooth application process. So, take a deep breath, relax, and let's get started on creating a winning college prep recipe for your child!

Here are 11 tips to help you navigate this pivotal year, organized into four categories: Standardized & AP Testing, College Selection, Planning for Success, and Financial Aid.

Standardized & AP Testing

1. Get Serious About ACT/SAT Prep

While many schools still do not require standardized tests, there's an increasing trend of schools adding them back to their criteria. You don't want to be caught unprepared if a school starts requiring these tests. This year, we've seen many families struggle to catch up, resulting in lower scores due to the lack of notice. Start preparing early to avoid this pitfall.

Starting early allows for significant score improvements. According to the College Board, on average, students who take the SAT more than once improve their scores by nearly 40 points. Additionally, ACT, Inc. data shows that students taking the ACT more than once see an average composite score increase of 2.9 points. Taking practice tests and beginning preparation early can lead to significant score improvements. At Auxilium, we offer tools and resources to help your child prepare effectively, ensuring they perform their best.

2. Create a Testing Plan for AP and Other Exams

Besides the ACT/SAT, consider the timing and preparation for other standardized tests like AP exams. These exams can strengthen your college application and potentially earn you college credit. Develop a testing plan that balances your study schedule and aligns with your college goals. Use available resources like prep courses, online materials, and study groups to prepare effectively.

College Selection:

3. Shortlist Your Colleges

Now is the time to start narrowing down your college choices. Here's how to effectively shortlist:

• Major Availability: Ensure the colleges offer your desired major.
• School Preference: You should genuinely like the school environment and culture.
• Affordability: Determine if the school is affordable after financial aid is applied.

To gauge affordability, research each school's financial aid details:

• How much need do they meet? (Need = Cost of Attendance - Student Aid Index(SAI))
• How much of the met need is free money?
• How long does it typically take to graduate?

4. Shortlist Your Majors and Career Choices

By now, you should have a clearer idea of your interests and potential career paths. If you're struggling, book an appointment with us. We have excellent resources to help you figure this out.

Planning for Success:

5. Enroll in AP or IB Classes

In Point 2, we mentioned the need to schedule AP exams appropriately. However, taking Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes during this academic year can significantly impact your college career. These classes demonstrate your ability to handle rigorous coursework and can earn you college credit. Additionally, consider taking classes at a local junior college to build your educational track record further.

Why are these are a point of focus for our clients? Consider these statistics:

• According to the College Board, 85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student's AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions.
• Many colleges and universities offer college credit, advanced placement, or both for qualifying AP exam scores. This can lead to significant tuition savings and the ability to graduate early. The College Board reports that students who enter college with AP credits tend to graduate in less time and with less debt.

They look good on applications, and they may reduce your time to graduate—just some of the reasons why AP classes and exams are a vital strategy.

6. Campus Visits Matter 

Don't underestimate the value of campus visits! Seeing a school firsthand can help your child avoid transferring later and potentially graduate faster. According to a National Survey of Student Engagement study, students who visit campuses are 26% more likely to graduate in four years.

7. Start Exploring Essay Prompts

Once you've shortlisted your schools, begin exploring their essay prompts. We recommend starting the essay writing process around March of your junior year. Don't leave these to the last minute, as they are likely carrying a heavy academic load and participating in extracurricular activities. These experiences will also provide valuable content for your essays.

The Common Application and individual school websites publish their essay questions. The University of California prompts offer great insights into how to write compelling essays, even if you're not applying to a UC school. We also offer an in-depth online training on essays entitled "Pen to Power: Writing Your Way Into College."

8. Build Strong Relationships with Teachers and Counselors

Developing strong relationships with teachers and school counselors is crucial. These individuals will write your letters of recommendation, which are a significant part of college applications. Regularly communicate with them, participate actively in class, and seek guidance on academic and career decisions. Building rapport will ensure that they can provide detailed and personalized recommendations.

9. Engage in Extracurricular Activities & Volunteer Work

Colleges look for well-rounded students who contribute to their communities and pursue their passions. Engage deeply in extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Consistency and leadership roles in these activities can significantly enhance your college application. Early involvement shows genuine commitment and can provide excellent material for your essays.

If you read our article for parents of 10th graders, you may remember that 81% of admissions officers agree that volunteer work can be a deciding factor in college acceptance (Corporation for National and Community Service). Don't skip this valuable step!

Financial Aid Strategies:

10. Use Net Price Calculators

From a financial aid perspective, now is the time to use net price calculators available on school websites. These tools can give you a rough idea of your financial need and help you forecast the gap between aid and the cost of attendance. Here is an important reminder: Plan your financial future first; finance their education if you must.

11. Research and Apply for Scholarships

Junior year is an excellent time to start researching scholarships. Some scholarships have deadlines in the fall of senior year, so it's beneficial to begin your search early. Applying for scholarships can help bridge the financial gap and reduce the burden of college expenses.

Remember that the calendar year that encompasses your student's sophomore and junior years is the one that will be used for your tax data for the FAFSA. So if you have any special circumstances (high income, business owner, spike in income, divorce, child support, etc.), this is a great time to address those.