11th Grade Checklist

October 20, 2022

Everything you need to prep for college your junior year of high school

Students working on racecar

Junior year: It’s probably the most vital year of your high school career. From narrowing down your top schools of choice, to college visits and standardized testing, there’s a lot to get done on your college prep journey. We’ve organized your responsibilities into manageable steps. All you’ll need to do is follow these guidelines and enjoy the satisfaction of crossing items off of this list as you accomplish each task throughout the year. 

⬜ Consider your passions. Make a list of what you’re interested in studying and explore college program pages and different career ideas.

⬜ Talk to your guidance counselor. High school counselors are a wealth of information when it comes to college admissions. They can help advise you on what courses to take, provide information about scholarships you may be eligible for and can help broaden your college search. 

⬜ Make a college list. Do some online research, and make a list of colleges you are interested in applying to with a few reasons why (specific program, cost of attendance, location, etc.)

⬜ Take the SAT. The score you receive on the SAT can determine the options you have come senior year. It’s important to note that not all colleges require an SAT score for admission (including UM-Dearborn).

⬜ Visit college campuses. Campus tours play a significant role in the decision-making process by helping you understand what you look for in a college. And don’t forget to talk to current students or professors while you’re there!

⬜ Dual Enrollment. Consider taking a college course through dual enrollment to get a head start on your collegiate journey. UM-Dearborn offers students the opportunity to enroll in college courses while still in high school through our Dual Enrollment Program

⬜ Think financially. Take a look at the cost of attendance for each college (which can be found on the university website), and start looking into financial aid options that can help offset your college costs.

⬜ Create a résumé. Colleges want to see all the amazing work you’ve done throughout high school, so make a record of all your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, athletic achievements, and student organization involvement to include in your applications.

⬜ Have fun! Exploring different colleges and discovering your passions and career goals is just the beginning of the wonderful journey you are about to embark on, so don’t forget to enjoy the process.