11th Grade College Checklist

11th Grade College Checklist

11th Grade College Planning Checklist

Junior year is the most important academic year for college admissions. It’s time to focus, stay organized, and begin actively preparing for applications, testing, and scholarships.

Fall

• Take challenging classes — honors, AP, or dual enrollment if available
• Meet with your counselor to confirm graduation and college prep progress
• Register for the PSAT/NMSQT — qualifies you for National Merit recognition
• Start a college list: research majors, costs, and admissions requirements
• Use a net price calculator to estimate real costs based on family income
• Create a dedicated email for college communication (firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
• Track extracurricular involvement and begin narrowing focus to leadership or impact

Winter

• Take the ACT or SAT for the first time (or prep for a spring date)
• Check if schools on your list are test-optional — and decide if scores help or hurt
• Explore scholarships — especially competitive ones with early deadlines
• Update your resume or activities list with leadership and accomplishments
• Talk with your family about college costs and financial aid planning
• Start drafting a personal statement or scholarship essay (you’ll revise later)
• Start saving school work or creative projects that could be used in applications

Spring

• Retake ACT/SAT if needed for score improvement
• Visit colleges (in person or virtually) — ask questions and take notes
• Ask for teacher recommendations (especially from core subjects)
• Use summer to write essays, volunteer, intern, or attend enrichment programs
• Finalize a balanced college list — safety, match, and reach schools
• Learn how the FAFSA works — you’ll complete it early senior year