Blog Post Written by Bryanna Worthy
Junior year of high school can feel overwhelming—you’re balancing tough classes, extracurriculars, and maybe even a part-time job. On top of that, the big question starts looming: How do I prepare for college?
As a graduating senior who’s been through the process, I want to share some tips that really helped me. Trust me, a little preparation now makes senior year (and the college application grind) so much easier.
1. Start Researching Colleges Early
Don’t wait until senior year to start researching schools. Spend time looking into the colleges you might want to attend:
- What are their GPA and test score expectations?
- Do they require the SAT or ACT, and what scores are considered competitive for admission?
- What makes them unique? (Campus culture, programs, size, location, etc.)
This isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about fit. Ask yourself: Does this school offer my potential major? Do I like the environment? Can I see myself thriving there?
And don’t be afraid to reach out to the college’s admissions team! They are here to help answer any questions you may have.
2. Make In-Person Visits
Campus tours are game changers. Walking around, grabbing a coffee at the student union, or even picking up some merch from the bookstore helps you picture yourself as part of that community. Some schools may look great online but feel totally different in person—so trust your instincts when you visit.
3. Challenge Yourself with Classes
Use your junior year to take classes that challenge you. AP, honors, or dual-enrollment classes not only look great on applications but also prepare you for a college workload.
If you’re not sure about your major, explore different subjects. I switched majors, but because I had already taken a variety of classes, I could apply for a lot of credits and adapt quickly.
4. Build Strong Academic and Personal Skills
College isn’t just about grades—it’s about independence. Junior year is the perfect time to start building habits you’ll rely on later:
- Writing skills: Take advanced writing classes to strengthen your communication.
- Organization skills: Learn to manage your time without reminders from teachers. In college, no one chases you for homework—you’re in charge.
- Mental health: Develop healthy stress-relief habits, like walking, journaling, or scheduling “you time.”
5. Explore Academic Majors
Each university offers its own unique list of academic majors for you to choose from. At UM-Dearborn, we offer majors like Bioengineering, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Human-Centered Engineering Design, Journalism and Media Production, and Supply Chain Management. We also have a program finder page that allows you to explore our 100+ undergraduate majors. And, who knows, you may even discover a major you’ve never thought of pursuing before!
6. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
One of the most underrated skills in college is networking. Whether it’s introducing yourself to a professor, joining a club, or attending campus events, building connections matters. If you struggle with social anxiety, practice putting yourself out there now—you’ll thank yourself later.
Final Thoughts
Junior year is about more than surviving—it’s about preparing yourself for the next chapter. Research schools, visit campuses, challenge yourself academically, and start building the personal habits that will carry you through college.
College may feel far away, but trust me, the more you prepare now, the more confident and excited you’ll be when it’s time to take that next step.
