Junior Year
- Explore careers and their earning potential in the Occupation Outlook Handbook. Also, check out the U.S. Department of Labor's career search tools.
- Seek leadership roles and opportunities in clubs and organizations.
- Go to college fairs and college-preparation presentations by college representatives.
- Take the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in October. You must take the test in 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- Register for and take college entrance exams. June is the most popular test date for Juniors.
- ACT registration
- SAT registration
- Search to find scholarships (see scholarship page for more information). Some deadlines are early, so be prepared to submit applications beginning the summer before your senior year.
- Narrow down the list of colleges you are considering. If possible, visit the schools that interest you.
- Contact colleges to request information. Ask about financial aid, admission requirements, and deadlines.
- Use the FAFSA4caster financial aid estimator, and compare the results to the actual costs at the colleges to which you will apply. Be sure to apply for scholarships. Your goal is to minimize the amount of loan funds you borrow.
- Find out what types of government financial aid you can apply for.
- Be careful to avoid scholarship scams as you look for financial aid. YOU SHOULD NEVER PAY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS OR AWARDS! If you are asked for money, these are "for profit" companies trying to make a profit off of you and/or your family.
U.S. Department of Education 11th Grade Checklist
Find the Perfect College
College Visit Checklist
Students interested in playing sports in college- NCAA
Important information for students planning to apply for admission to the University of Texas at Austin
Subject: The University of Texas at Austin Automatic Admission Policy
Senate Bill 175, passed by the 81st Texas Legislature allows The University of Texas at Austin to limit automatic admission to 75 percent of the university’s enrollment capacity designated for first-time resident undergraduate students.