We know that summer isn't exactly the most obvious time for kids to focus on college-planning, but a little preparation can go a long way! So what can your soon-to-be junior do to help prepare for the college application process? Check out these great tips for your kids, adapted from U.S. News:  

• Get organized: Even if you're not actively seeking out prospective colleges this summer, colleges will be looking for you! You will receive mailers and other communication regularly, and it's important to plan ahead so you can stay on top of communication with schools. Figure out where you plan to store the mail, set aside time to read through it, and create a calendar of important dates and deadlines for college admissions.

 

• Course selection matters: It's tempting to want to take fun electives your junior year, but remember that the goal of high school (for college-bound students) is to prepare for the rigors of college level coursework. If you want to impress those college admissions counselors, select coursework that is challenging and rigorous. This is especially true for those of you applying to colleges in the science and math fields. An extra year of Physics or Calculus can do wonders in terms of college preparation!

 

• Start testing early: Juniors should try to complete their SAT and ACT testing by March at the latest, leaving time for AP and subject tests in May and June. The earlier you begin taking the tests and understanding your scores, the more opportunity you have to bring those scores up. If you wait until the fall of your senior year to take your first SAT or ACT, you'll be left with little to no time for improvement before college applications come due.

 

• Go visit schools: Not only is it FUN to visit potential college campuses so you can see student life, check out the important stuff like where the cafeteria is and how active the student union is, but it also makes the whole process more real and tangible. Seeing your future in real life is a fantastic motivator to finish out your high school years strong!

    Junior year should be fun! After all, your child is finally an upperclassman. He/she probably has special privileges like getting to leave campus for lunch; and let's not forget driving! Encourage your child to enjoy every second of high school because we know all too well how fast it truly goes. But don't lose sight of your long term goals. College will be here before you know it!