Juniors who are thinking about college and the admissions process are doing themselves a fabulous favor.

Here are a variety of items to put on the “To Do List” for junior year:

1. Focus on doing well in classes – junior year grades may be the last grades colleges see before making an admissions decision.
2. Consider your course load for senior year – be sure to maintain the academic rigor, even though colleges may not see senior year grades, they do see the course selection on the high school transcript and a “senior slacker schedule” is not looked upon favorably.

1. Focus on activities that you enjoy the most and provide the greatest opportunity to grow and take on leadership roles.
2. Create a draft of a brag sheet/resume that will be updated at the end of junior year and then in the fall of senior year.
3. Volunteer your time to community services  this will help build resume and references.
   

1. Visit colleges during teacher workdays – schedule campus tours and plan to attend the information sessions.
2. Plan visits to campuses during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks based on family vacation plans.

1. Take the PSAT in October (offered through each high school, there is no need to register). The October PSAT is the National Merit Student Qualifying Test. If you’ve taken the SATs or PSATs before and believe you could be in the running for a National Merit Scholarship, prep for this test – otherwise it is just practice.
2. Examine the results of the PSAT (usually in December/January) to understand where your gaps are and consider test prep services, if needed.

1. Brainstorm possible activities/programs for next summer.
2. Consider internships or job-shadowing. Summer is one of the best opportunities students have to differentiate themselves. Summer activities often provide great materials for college essays.
3. Attend as many showcases or combines to get in front of coaches and scouts and to keep skills sharp.
   

Scholarships/Essays:

1. Begin researching non athletic scholarship opportunities. Some scholarships are open to high school juniors. Many scholarship opportunities are merit or interest-based and don’t require completing financial forms.
   
2. A great resource is FastWeb.com their data-base includes information on 1.3 Million Annual Scholarships.Take your time and fill out the form as complete as possible.Make sure you register.
   
3. Work on a 250 word essay as many require one.

"The families that wait or procrastinate will have to borrow more money or will have to expiereince more work and stress, Its never too early to start preparing for your future."

George Jefferson Founder of Varsity Mentoring and certified College Admissions and Career Counselor has been working with High School Students since 1994 helping them get into and pay for college.In 2008 he launched Varsity Mentoring for the opportunity to help more young adults reach their goals and full potential and create a clearinghouse of products and services for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.

“Our primary goal is to empower the student athlete and help them identify careers and find colleges/schools where they can showcase their skills/talents.We hope to get our students the best education at the best possible price, while allowing them to continue to participate in a sport they love.”
Whether you are a student-athlete,parent or coach feel free to use the resources on our website
 If you need more assistance call us at 877-245-5885 Mon-Sat 8AM -8PM EST our visit the website www.varsitymentoring.com