Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

11th Grade To-Dos: Winter

Junior year is, in many ways, the most important in the college application process. Colleges are looking for a strong academic record and are going to note any improvement over the first three years of high school. This is the year to focus on deepening your impact in your activities, developing yourself as a leader, excelling at standardized testing, generating a balanced college list, and planning ahead for your applications.

College Advising

  • Make an impact. The Common Application (which you’ll use to apply to most colleges in the U.S.) has room for 10 activities, and while you don’t have to fill all 10 spots, it’s important to showcase a variety of activities that reflect your genuine interests and communicate your passions to admissions readers. Not every student needs to be a traditional “leader,” so work with your College Advisor to figure out how you specifically can make an impact.

    • Update the activities list template you’ve been using with your College Advisor. Now is the time to refine your activities and fill any gaps in your resume.

  • Get to know your school counselor. Not only will they write a letter of recommendation for you, but they are a great resource as you prepare your college applications. They will have insight into your high school’s relationship and history with various colleges, which could impact the strategy you and your College Advisor implement.

  • Think ahead to your summer plans (deadlines for some academic programs happen as early as January or February). Consider:

    • An academic pre-college program (on-campus or virtual)

    • An internship or volunteer opportunity (local or traveling to a new place)

    • Work (colleges genuinely love to see students who have held jobs because it demonstrates responsibility, time management, and work ethic. Some popular choices include babysitting, lifeguarding, or camp counseling, but don’t be afraid to go unconventional).

    • Of course, remember to build in time to relax between activities so you can refresh yourself and focus on your mental well-being.

  • Continue discussing potential majors and career paths and how those might shape your college list. This will help your College Advisor develop your application narrative and advise on your application strategy.

  • Explore college campuses and conduct meaningful college research. Visit in-person whenever you can, and plan ahead so you can register for tours (which are led by current students) and information sessions (which are led by admission officers). Many colleges track demonstrated interest, so this is a great way to show them you’re interested!

    • Pro tip: take thorough notes on each visit so you can refresh your memory with vivid anecdotes or experiences if you have to write the ever-popular “Why us?” essay.

  • Read, read, and read!! Not only is it fun, but it will also help you with your academic performance and standardized testing. Keep in mind, many colleges will ask you about your favorite books on their applications!

Test Prep

  • Learn about the recent changes to the SAT and upcoming changes to the ACT and discuss your testing strategy with your Academic Advisor. Consider registering to join our webinar on Monday, January 27: The New ACT in 2025: What’s Changing and When.

  • Take your official ACT or SAT (if you haven’t already). Most students take their chosen test at least two times, since many colleges are willing to “superscore” your results. With diligent preparation, you can often complete your test prep process after just two exams. Remember to register early for summer exams. Seats fill up fast!

    • If you have not already begun preparing for the ACT or SAT, it’s not too late! Reach out to us now for a diagnostic consultation to begin your test preparation process ASAP.

  • Research admitted student test score ranges for colleges on your working college list. This will help you estimate your likelihood of admission (your College Advisor will help with this, too!) and can help you continue to refine your college list. 

  • Register EARLY if you want to take the new version of the ACT, which will be offered starting in April 2025. For the April, June, and July test dates, the new version is only offered on computer, and seats will be limited.

Academic Support

  • Take advantage of school resources: create peer study groups, attend office hours offered by teachers. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or connect with a tutor!

  • Begin preparing for your AP or IB tests—May is coming soon! Even if you just sit down and map out the course content to create a study schedule, it’s much easier to review one topic/unit per week rather than cramming it all in right before the test. Don’t forget, LP tutors can help!