The first two years of high school are for trying new things and/or expanding upon interests or activities you have already identified in middle school. During the second semester of sophomore year, students should start to think about mapping out their junior year now or at the latest during the summer leading into junior year and here’s why.
The ACT or SAT need to be taken at least once during Junior year. Therefore, you need to take the time to figure out which test is the right one for your student. The student should take a practice assessment for each to determine which test feels right as they are very different. (See attached diagram)
Once you identity the test you want to take, look at when the test is offered throughout the academic year and see when is the best time for your student to take the test. You will then want to work backwards and prep for the exam. This takes planning. So start now, the summer before junior year, to think is all through. www.collegeboard.org (SAT) and act.org (ACT)
College visits: This is another task during junior year that takes planning. But what needs to happen prior to planning visits is a self exploration and reflection upon which schools would be best for the student to visit. College visits take time and money. Information sessions and tours are typically conducted only Monday-Friday so parents needs to take a day from work do accomplish these trips. So, take the time to map out where is the best schools to visit prior to the beginning of junior year.
I work with families and students to help identify where to go visit and why. I provide strategies and tips on how to make most of your on campus visits and what to do and ask while on campus.
Use your summer leading into 11th grade to build upon skills while doing something of interest. I could write a novel about the reason why, but DM me for details. Follow your strengths and interests. This my best advice.
