5 Things Every Junior Should Be Doing Right Now (As the Year Wraps Up)

As the school year winds down and summer edges closer, the end of junior year can feel like a breath of fresh air—but don’t hit cruise control just yet. This is one of the most important transition moments in your college planning journey. What you do right now sets the stage for your senior year and ultimately, your college applications.

With final exams, AP tests, and major decisions looming, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But taking a few key steps before summer starts will make your senior year so much smoother. So here are the 5 things every junior should be doing right now to finish strong and get ahead.

1. Finish the Year Academically Strong

Colleges will look closely at your junior year grades—they’re often the most heavily weighted part of your transcript. If there’s ever been a time to buckle down, it’s now.

Action Steps:

• Prioritize your finals and AP exams. Finish strong, especially in your core academic classes. A solid performance can boost your GPA and show colleges you don’t coast at the finish line.

• Talk with your teachers. If you’re on the edge between grade tiers, ask what you can do to improve your final grade.

• Consider how this year’s performance affects your senior schedule. Are you ready for more rigor? Do you need to rebalance your course load?

• Look at grade trends. Admissions officers love to see upward movement, so if this semester is your best yet—great! If not, don’t panic, but reflect on what needs to change.

Before the school year ends, take a moment to assess your transcript. Are you proud of what it says about you? If not, summer may be a great time to take an online class, retake a course, or work on skills in a subject that’s been a struggle. Colleges love to see grit and growth—and junior year is your chance to showcase both.

2. Start Building (or Finalizing) Your College List

By now, you’ve probably explored some schools or at least have a sense of what you’re looking for. Now is the time to narrow your list and build a balanced mix of reach, match, and likely schools.

Action Steps:

• Create an initial college list of 8–12 schools. Include a range of schools based on academic fit, personal preference, and financial aid likelihood.

• Use the summer to visit campuses. Whether in person or virtually, these visits can help you get a feel for different environments and confirm your preferences.

• Start tracking deadlines, requirements, and application types. Note whether your schools accept the Common App, have Early Action or Early Decision options, and what supplemental materials they require.

• Think about financial fit. Use net price calculators to estimate costs, and talk to your family about affordability and expectations.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start by reflecting on what environments you thrive in. Do you want a big football school with tons of spirit? A small liberal arts college with close-knit classes? A city campus or a quiet rural setting? The more you learn about different types of schools, the more your list will reflect who you are—and that’s what ultimately leads to the best fit and the most satisfying college experience.

3. Prep for (or Finish) Your Standardized Testing

If you haven’t taken the SAT or ACT yet, summer and early fall of senior year are your last best opportunities. If you’ve already tested once, now’s the time to analyze your results and plan for a possible retake.

Action Steps:

• Register for summer or early fall test dates. ACT and SAT tests are available almost every month—plan around your schedule.

• Set a study plan. Even if you’ve already tested, a few weeks of focused prep can make a big difference for your second round.

• Decide if you’re submitting scores. Research the test-optional policies of the schools on your list and make strategic decisions.

• Start collecting test score reports. You’ll need to know where to send official scores, and it helps to have all your testing info in one place.

If you’re not happy with your scores, remember that test prep is a skill—and like any skill, it gets better with practice. Use the summer to target your weak spots with online tools, a prep course, or a tutor if needed. Even a small score bump can move you into a higher scholarship bracket or closer to your target schools’ middle 50%. And if your testing experience was filled with anxiety or self-doubt, think about ways to approach your next exam with more calm and confidence—your mindset matters.

4. Organize Your Activities & Summer Plans

Your extracurriculars are more than just resume fillers—they reflect your passions, leadership, and growth. Now’s the time to document your involvement and plan a summer that aligns with your goals.

Action Steps:

• Make a comprehensive activity list. Include clubs, sports, volunteer work, jobs, internships, and personal projects. Note dates, roles, hours per week, and any accomplishments.

• Update your resume. You’ll use this when requesting recommendation letters and applying for colleges, scholarships, and jobs.

• Plan a meaningful summer. Whether it's an academic program, a job, a creative project, or community service, look for something that builds skills or expands your experience.

• Consider leadership opportunities. Could you lead a club, start a community project, or run a summer camp? Colleges love to see initiative and growth.

Colleges want to see how you use your time when no one’s requiring anything of you. Summer is a golden opportunity to show curiosity, work ethic, and initiative. Whether you pursue an internship, launch a small business, complete an independent research project, or simply dedicate consistent hours to a job, every experience adds value to your story. Use this time to explore possible majors or careers and build relationships with mentors who can support you next year when it’s time for letters of recommendation.

5. Start Your Application Prep

No, you don’t need to write all your college essays right now—but trust us, getting ahead of the curve will save you major stress in the fall. A little groundwork this spring can make all the difference.

Action Steps:

• Brainstorm your personal statement. The Common App prompts are already released—read through them and start jotting down ideas.

• Create an application timeline. Mark deadlines, early action/decision dates, and any scholarship requirements.

• Request recommendation letters early. Think about which teachers know you best—ask before school ends so they have time over the summer.

• Set up your Common App account. You can roll over your information year to year—start entering basic details and getting comfortable with the system.

• Create a digital folder. Store your resume, transcript, test scores, and any essays or supplemental materials. Organization is key.

Your application is your story. And the best stories aren’t rushed—they’re crafted with thought and care. Use the time before senior year to reflect on what’s shaped you, what challenges you’ve overcome, and what matters most to you. These reflections often form the heart of a powerful personal statement. If you can draft even a rough outline or idea over the summer, you’ll be miles ahead come application season. And don’t forget to review the supplemental questions for each college—they often require just as much time and thought as the main essay.

Final Thoughts: This Is Your Launch Pad

The end of junior year isn’t the finish line—it’s the launch pad for senior year. What you do in these next few weeks can ease stress, build confidence, and give you a running start on the college application process.

You don’t have to know all the answers yet. But you do need a plan—and the discipline to take that next right step. Whether you’re wrapping up exams, locking in your college list, or drafting a killer essay this summer, just remember: progress beats perfection every time.

Bonus Tip for Parents:

Now is a great time to schedule a college planning meeting with your student. Discuss their college list, financial priorities, summer plans, and upcoming deadlines. Your support can help turn this overwhelming process into a team effort. Listen, encourage, and help keep the momentum going!