Calendar for Junior Year

September

• Make a firm decision to a get the best grades possible during the next two years.  (Your cumulative GPA is important, but your grades in junior and senior year are the most valued and scrutinized.)
• Ensure that you are taking the appropriate classes to attend the college of your choice.
  
• Get reminded of The Art Academy’s CEEB code: 140627.
  
• Begin to learn the language of the college admissions process.
  
• Use the practice tests to study for the PSAT test in October. Practice tests can be found online or in the main office. (You are automatically registered for this test by the school.)
  
• Evaluate extracurricular and community service participation.  If necessary, begin planning to add this component.

October

• Take the PSAT here at school
• Study hard and do well.
• Attend college visits scheduled at The Arts Academy.
• Attend College Night at The Arts Academy with your parents.
• Attend the NACAC Visual and Performing Arts Fair (date in school calendar)
• Attend the National College Fair (date in school calendar)

November

• Study hard
• Consider scheduling some time for early college visits for the spring.
• Begin reading some of the colleges’ catalogues: These are on file.  Meet with the College Counselor to learn how to navigate their information.

December

• Get your PSAT results. PSAT scores indicate what areas you need to strengthen for the SAT. Keep your results in a file with your PLAN score results.
• Take a self-assessment survey online. There are many enlightening resources, which might help you to understand yourself better and approach schools differently.
• Start keeping track of your accomplishments. Make a list of all the productions, exhibits, performances, volunteer work, etc. that you have participated in and the dates of theses events. Write down any awards, nominations, honors that you have collected thus far. This information will come in very handy when applying for college.

January

• Resister for SAT and/or ACT: Take either test later this spring; it may save you a lot of headaches in the future! Pick up a registration pack in the main office or register online. If you are eligible for extended time, make sure you pick up the right registration packet. Ask your college counselor if you are not sure.  It is important to schedule this early as spaces fill up quickly at many places.
• Get a broad list of possible schools: Begin discussing possible options with your Department head and the College Counselor to determine a preliminary list of exploratory schools.  This list should have 15-20 schools on it.
• Schedule College Visits: Make plans to visit these colleges in the spring. Spring Break is an opportune time for many places. 

February

• Keep your class work strong!
• Get ready for the standarized tests.  It is most important to familiarize yourself with the test and learn some strategies. Spend solid, concentrated time each week working on your test-taking skills.
• Retake the PSAT at home. Reuse the test booklet and check your answers with your score report.   
• Take a SAT prep course. Test Watch/Test Prep is offering classes at the Arts Academy. Please call 847.835.9090 or go to www.twtp.com for more information.
• Many bookstores sell SAT Prep Guides. These books include test-taking tips and practice tests. This is a great way to learn more about the format of the test.
• At www.collegeboard.com students can print out a practice test, learn about the new writing section and get information about registering for exams.
• Schedule a meeting with the College Counselor. 
• Research the colleges on your preliminary list of schools: Write to them for catalogues.  Use the Internet. Schedule a visit to a campus or a group of campuses, if convenient and appropriate.
• Get ready for a proactive summer: Begin researching summer enrichment and study programs.  There are also many arts-related jobs that can build up your resume for college. Check with your Department Head for suggestions. Also, the College Counselor collects many catalogues of pre-college summer programs that may interest you.

March

• Clarify and discuss your list of colleges.  Meet again with the College Counselor. 
• Narrow your options:  The number of schools on your list at this point should be no more than 15 schools
• Finalize your summer plans. Request letters of recommendation if needed. The college counselor will help you fill-in summer program applications and get them sent out.

April

• Take the ACT
• Send for catalogues and applications from colleges on your list.
• Prepare for college visits.

May

• Take the SAT and/or ACT
• Take the AP exam/s
• Do well on your finals
• Update your list of accomplishments

Summer

• Last call for SAT and ACT: If you did not take the SAT or ACT as recommended, June is the last time to do it this school year.
• Plan college visits and draft an essay or two.
• No summer school?  Get a job.  Idle summers can impact tight admission decisions.
• Join a dance, drama or music program. Work on your repertoire or monologues.
• Engage in community service projects.
• Keep healthy and active.