Having the maturity to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and realizing it’s better to focus on the things you do well than to dwell on disappointments. Junior year is a big year filled with big changes. It functions in essentially two roles. All rights reserved. There may be feelings of frustration, stress and exhaustion. In the hierarchy of importance, however, the junior year deserves a high ranking because of its pivotal nature. Common App prompts are designed to inspire and motivate you to expand on your personal story and make a powerful and meaningful impression with college admissions offices. Classes and Grades. If possible, avoid using a template as the format for your resume. These people also really want to get to know your student better and support them through a successful conclusion to their high school career. Whether you are new to the workforce, are a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, LiveCareer’s contributors will help you move the needle on your career and get the job you want faster than you think. If you are in or approaching your junior year in high school -- or know someone who is -- this is the article for you. A portfolio can include copies of your resume, awards and other certificates, letters of recommendation and/or a references list, samples of your work, and any other tangible proof of your accomplishments. Living in the present while also thinking about the future. Offer support and listen to your teen. Have honest money talks with your student so they understand how your family's financial considerations will help shape their list of schools to apply to. Next, review any and all of your work experiences, including part-time jobs and volunteering or community service, and describe those experiences using action verbs.

In May, if you have been taking advanced placement classes, you'll have the AP Placement Tests. Now, more than ever, is when you should be kicking your college prep responsibilities into high gear.

Don’t forget the value of volunteer work. When it comes to paying for college, every little bit helps. You'll also want to attend a few college fairs and meet with college representatives when they visit your high school. Even by prioritizing your time to focus on the things that are most meaningful to you throughout junior year, you’ll find that time flies! Junior year isn't too late for them to try new things, and for you to help them identify what they’re good at. It’s best to start on these in August so that you can formally submit your application in plenty of time before the fall semester starts. Some of the teachers you have for classes in your junior year may also play an important role for you in your senior year -- when you ask them to write you a letter of recommendation for college -- so plan on spending some of the time in your junior year getting to know at least a few of your favorite teachers on a more personal level. This is it! Ideally, by the end of your junior year you'll have a list of no more than 10 to 15 colleges. Numerous print and online resources (including each college's website) can help you learn more about colleges, including important stuff like majors and minors, academic quality and ranking, accreditation, job and graduate-school placement rates, costs, and financial aid.