Junior Jumpstart — Your College Prep Starts Now
The last full year of grades colleges see before early deadlines. Get organized, get ahead, and set yourself up for success.
Start Building Your Future
Five tools to give you a head start on the college process.
Build Your College List
Search 6,500+ colleges by major, location, cost, and outcomes. Start exploring early.
Start Test Prep
Practice SAT, ACT, and PSAT with adaptive questions. Track your scores and improve.
Explore Careers
Discover 1,100+ careers with salary data, growth projections, and college pathways.
Calculate Your Costs
Estimate net price at any school and find scholarships you qualify for.
Plan Your Credits
See which AP and CLEP exams can save you time and money at your target schools.
Your Junior Year Roadmap
Oct
Take the PSAT & Start Your Research
Register for the PSAT/NMSQT in October to qualify for National Merit and get a baseline score. Start researching colleges by major, location, and size. Create your initial list of 20-30 schools to explore.
Test Prep + College SearchDec
Review PSAT Scores & Begin SAT/ACT Prep
Analyze your PSAT results to identify strengths and weaknesses. Start a structured SAT or ACT study plan. Attend college fairs and information sessions. Keep your grades strong — junior year GPA matters most.
Score Tracker + Study PlanFeb
Visit Colleges & Narrow Your List
Plan campus visits during winter and spring breaks. Attend admitted student events at local schools. Narrow your initial list from 20-30 down to 15-20 realistic options. Start thinking about what you want in a college experience.
College Search + Compare ToolApr
Take SAT/ACT for the First Time
Sit for the SAT (March) or ACT (April). This is your baseline — many students retake it in the fall. Research which AP exams to take. Ask teachers for recommendation letters early (they get busy in fall).
Test Prep + Career ExplorerAP Exams & Summer Planning
Take your AP exams. Plan your summer: campus visits, essay brainstorming, internships, jobs, or meaningful activities. Strong summers show initiative and give you essay material.
Credit Lab + Career AssessmentJul
Campus Visits, Essays & Activity Resume
Visit your top college picks in person. Start drafting your Common App personal statement. Build your activity resume — list every club, sport, job, and volunteer experience with hours and impact.
Essay Central + Activity BuilderFinalize Your List & Begin Applications
Narrow your list to 8-12 schools with a balanced reach/match/safety mix. Open your Common App account. Start working on supplemental essays.
Applications Hub + Smart CounselorGrade Is When the Groundwork Gets Laid
Junior year is the last full year of grades colleges see before early deadlines, the PSAT/NMSQT you take this fall is the one that counts for National Merit, and a spring SAT or ACT leaves time for a retake in the fall.
Questions? We've Got Answers.
Don't Wait Until Senior Year
Starting now gives you time to test, retake, visit, and write without a senior-year rush.
Get Started Free