Junior year is when college planning gets real: testing, researching schools, building your list. But the students who feel the most prepared are the ones who started gathering information before 11th grade even began.
This guide walks you through what to organize by the end of sophomore year so you can enter junior year confident and ready.
Why It Helps to Start Before Junior Year
Junior year moves quickly. Deadlines pile up, and college conversations become more frequent. Starting early doesn't mean you're rushing the process. It means you're building a solid foundation so nothing gets lost when things speed up.
Early preparation reduces:
- Stress for both students and parents
- Scrambling to find old records or deadlines
- Missed opportunities (like scholarships or early programs)
Academic Records to Collect
By the end of 10th grade, you should have:
- A copy of your transcript (or access to it)
- Your current GPA, weighted and unweighted, if available
- A list of courses you've taken (especially honors/AP/IB)
- Any standardized test scores already completed (PSAT, PreACT)
This information is key for building your college list later.
Activities and Involvement
Start tracking:
- Clubs, sports, or arts programs you've joined
- Any leadership roles or responsibilities
- Volunteer hours and locations
- Summer programs or internships
Keep track of your hours, roles, and impact. These details will matter later on college applications.
Awards and Recognitions
Don't rely on memory. Make a list of:
- Academic awards (honor roll, subject-specific honors)
- Athletic or arts achievements
- Community or service-based recognitions
Even small awards can demonstrate growth and engagement.
Family and Financial Info (for Parents)
Parents can help by organizing:
- Basic household financial information (useful for early net price calculators)
- A list of potential college savings accounts (if applicable)
- Questions or concerns about affordability
This helps students begin exploring college fit based not only on academics, but on cost and values too.
College-Related Notes and Questions
Even if you're not making a college list yet, keep a running document with:
- Colleges you've heard of or are curious about
- Notes from school info sessions or campus visits
- Questions you have about majors, locations, or campus life
- Ideas for what matters to you in a future school
Think of this as a working file you'll build on through junior and senior year.
Where to Keep It All
Use a centralized system, like CollegeHound, to store:
- Test scores
- Activities and achievements
- Notes and tasks
- Important dates
That way, when junior year begins, you're not starting from zero. You're simply picking up where you left off.
Conclusion
College planning doesn't begin junior year. It accelerates then. Starting to gather information during or before sophomore year helps you feel more prepared, stay organized, and avoid last-minute stress.
You don't need to have all the answers yet. Just a place to keep track of what you're learning.
Ready to start early? Check out the complete 9th grade college prep timeline or get started with CollegeHound.