Junior year
Preparing for graduation is an exciting and intimating time. There is a lot to consider and accomplish over your high school years. Please use this guide to help you insure that you make your current year of high school the best that you can! If you have any questions, please contact the Counseling Office.
Junior year
- Fall
- If you're going to a four-year college, register early for the October PSAT in the Counseling Office. This is the only time it counts for National Merit Scholarships, and it's worth your time!
- Take the ASVAB test for military entrance. Taking the test can also help you explore careers that will be a good fit for your skills and interests!
- Review your list of the clubs, activities, and volunteer hours you've accomplished. Become more involved if you can!
- Learn about colleges by attending college fairs and browsing online. MUHS Counseling has a wealth of links online. Talk to your counselor about college admissions representatives coming to Mingus Union High School. Make a folder to help you organize your application materials, scholarship information, etc.
- If you plan to attend college, start looking for scholarships. Many scholarships are available for juniors, and MUHS Counseling keeps an updated list on their website. Many national websites also have searchable scholarship databases and email alerts!
- Winter
- Earn strong grades! The junior year grades are extremely important to college admissions, military recruiters, and employers.
- Continue your research in potential colleges and careers. Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss important tips about college exploration, admission, and funding.
- If you took the PSAT, listen carefully to the guidance of your school counselor when you receive your results.
- Register to take the SAT and/or the ACT and step up your test preparation efforts! For test prep, see your counselor and sign up for an account through the MUHS subscription to Method Test Prep.
- Spring
- Make a list of colleges that interest you. Submit a request for admission and financial aid information from the schools on your list. Take note of which schools want you to take SAT or ACT and SAT subject tests.
- Work with your school counselor to ensure a challenging senior year of courses. If you are a student athlete planning to participate in sports at college, you should also discuss NCAA eligibility requirements and register for the NCAA clearinghouse.
- Start identifying teachers who are willing to write recommendation letters for you.
- Begin preparing essays for college admissions and scholarship applications.
- If you are considering military academies or ROTC scholarships, contact your counselor before leaving school for the summer. You should begin this application process before your senior year.
- Take AP exams if appropriate.
- Firm up your summer plans, including visits to colleges on your list, special summer learning programs, internships, or summer jobs.
- Summer
- Continue contemplating careers and colleges. Visit the colleges on your list.
- If you are heading to a four-year college, begin drafting the college admissions essays that you will need this fall. Write a resume as well, and ask a friend to proofread both documents.
- Continue searching for scholarships using resources in the Mingus Union High School Counseling Office and online.