7 things high school juniors can do to prepare for college

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/la-grange/lifestyles/ct-dlg-mash-college-prep-tl-0423-20150417-story.html

Now that seniors are committing to colleges and firming up plans for the year ahead, it's time for juniors to get serious about the future. But it's easy to feel lost and overwhelmed when trying to get ahead of the game. We consulted everyone from college experts to teens who just went through the process themselves to figure out the seven things every junior should do this semester to get the ball rolling on senior year.

1. Build relationships with teachers

It's a great time to take stock of the teachers you've connected with, build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. When senior year begins, consider asking those teachers for recommendation letters.

"Request letters from teachers who you know well and who have a positive impression of you," said Jennifer Cox Bell, national director of programs and partnerships at College Advising Corps, a nonprofit that aims to increase the number of underrepresented students entering college.

Following this advice will give you more confidence when asking for recommendations or advice. Make sure to continue connecting with these instructors so it's not a surprise when you ask for a favor.

2. Fight early-onset senioritis

You're not a senior just yet, so don't fall victim to a slow second semester.

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"Good grades in high school are critical for college admissions—including junior year," Bell said. "Take rigorous courses. Don't be discouraged from applying to college if you have some lower grades on your transcript though. It's never too late to make academics a priority, and colleges accept students at all GPA ranges."

Remember that boosting your grades now will pay off later. And don't forget to check in with your dream schools to ensure you're fulfilling admission requirements.

3. Start researching colleges now

Yes, now. Get familiar with sites like collegeboard.org, studentaid.ed.gov andcommonapp.org. Before the year ends, reach out to admissions officers at your favorite schools and inquire about upcoming visits and campus events.

"Many high schools also schedule field trips to local colleges, so be sure to ask your school counselor or teachers about those opportunities," Bell said.

While you're at it, ask your college counselors if and when admissions officers will be visiting your school. Don't miss out on those super personal opportunities.

4. Slay your ACT, SAT and/or AP exams

Preparation is the key to success with big tests you'll take this year and next. First, figure out which tests you'll need to take to get into your dream schools. If you don't know, check the admissions requirements and talk with your college counselor.

Some schools will let you submit either an ACT or SAT score. In that case, figure out which test best suits your strengths and evaluate your options.

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"Study a lot before the ACT," said Kenwood senior Jenna Washington. "Find out your weaknesses and the score you need to attend your dream school. If you don't get the score you want, you can always retake it."

5. Hit up a college fair

Attending college fairs and events can really help you get to know your options. They give students an opportunity to talk with the people who work at the school and know it best.

Before you go, check out which colleges will be attending so you have a better idea of which booths you want to visit.

"It is a great first exposure," said Lianne Musser, college center coordinator at Lyons Township. "This is a great place for juniors to understand how much schools cost and what money is available from schools. These fairs will help students understand what questions to ask."

6. Take your senior schedule seriously

Next year is the best time to branch out from those run-of-the-mill classes and focus on what actually interests you. Find out if your school offers an independent study program, where you can dive into subjects like Russian literature or microbiology.

"Try to take AP classes you're sure you'll pass or take college bridge classes," said Brent Bradford, a freshman at Tennessee State University. "Taking those classes will help to get the necessary college requirements and obviously the field of work you're interested in."

If that's not an option, check out advanced courses in the subjects you enjoy most and might consider for a college major. These specialized classes could help land you an internship or put your application over the top in the admissions process.

7. Start looking for scholarships

After you take the ACT, you might think it's time to sit back and take a break from college planning. Sorry, but you've still got work to do. Toward the end of the school year and throughout the summer, start applying for scholarships that will put you ahead of the curve and ease some of the financial struggles you'll face senior year. Your future self will be very proud of you.

"Research your dream schools and know when you are eligible for scholarships," Musser said. "Lots of schools have a priority deadline in the winter, which you must have applied by to be eligible for any money they give. Make sure to look up those deadlines on school websites and keep them in mind."

This story was previously published in The Mash, a Pioneer Press sister publication for Chicago-area high schools and students. One of the authors, Claire Quinlan, is a senior at Lyons Township High School in La Grange.