Getting College-Ready in 11th Grade

Maintain Academic Performance Under Pressure

• Junior year grades carry the most weight in college admissions

• Colleges see your full junior year transcript—consistency matters

• Don't overextend yourself to the point of burnout

• Communicate with teachers if you're struggling—asking for help is strategic, not weak

This is the year many students take their most rigorous courses. Balance ambition with sustainability.

Standardized Testing: Execute Your Plan

• Fall: Take the PSAT (October). Use the score to inform your SAT/ACT strategy. Identify strengths and weaknesses to guide prep

• SAT vs. ACT: Which One? Take a practice test of each to see which format suits you better. Many students do better on one than the other—figure out which early

• Figure out what Test Prep service is best for you. Self study, group prep or private tutoring.

Begin the College Search Process

Preliminary College Search: Build Your Initial List

• Size: Do you want a small liberal arts college (2,000 students) or a large university (30,000+)?

• Location: Urban, suburban, rural? Close to home or far away? Specific regions?

• Academic programs: Strong departments in your areas of interest?

• Campus culture: Greek life, D1 sports, artsy vibe, pre-professional focus?

• Cost and financial aid: What's realistic for your family?

Create a preliminary list of schools across different selectivity levels:

• Reach schools (less than 25% chance of admission based on your profile)

• Target schools (40-60% chance—where your stats align with admitted students)

• Safety schools (80%+ chance—schools where you're above average academically)

Start Building Relationships for Recommendations

• Build genuine relationships with teachers in core subjects

• Contribute meaningfully in class—engagement matters more than just grades

• Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths

• Ideally one STEM and one humanities teacher (if applying to diverse programs)

Summer Before Senior Year: Critical Preparation Time

• Finalize your college list

• Start brainstorming and drafting personal statement

• Visit any remaining schools you're seriously considering

• Update your resume with junior year activities and achievements

• Research application requirements and deadlines for each school

If you use this summer strategically, senior year is manageable. If you don't, senior fall will be overwhelming.