How to prepare for college applications in your penultimate year

College preparation isn't just reserved for senior year in high school. The penultimate year is just as important. Everything from college tours to internships will help you create the best application to secure a spot at a school that matches your interests.

Secure your spot in some of the Northwest's most innovative professional programs with Pacific's guaranteed admission to graduate school! From your first year on campus, you can envision a career in optometry, education, business, and more.

While it may seem like senior year gets all the attention, your penultimate year of high school is just as important when it comes to preparing for college applications.

From college tours to job shadowing to taking advanced college courses in high school, it's important to know how to prepare for college during your junior year.

Although the penultimate year of your school year is generally too early to start submitting college applications, you can make great progress by researching schools and planning for next year.

But between homework, part-time jobs, and personal life, it can be difficult to keep track of everything you need to make a successful college application.

We will help you!

Discover how to create a watertight college application checklist for junior year of college and learn what to prioritize to breeze through the college admissions process.

View admission requirements

Step One: Stay up to date at school

The most important preparation for applying to college as a junior is Create the best academic record possible.

If you apply during the Early Action window — or submit your application any time before the end of the year — your transcripts from the spring semester of the third year of study are the most complete record Your academic performance, which universities look at before making a decision.

Not only the combination of relevant courses and a high grade point average (Pacific recommends at least 3.0) will strengthen your college application, but strong third-year transcripts can ensure substantial merit scholarships.

In addition to perfecting your transcript, you can prepare for college admission in other academic ways during your penultimate year:

• Taking high school courses for college credit. Whether through AP courses, the IB curriculum, or at a nearby community college, good grades in these courses and the associated exams can enhance your application.

  Aside from saving money by earning college credits, having these challenging courses listed on your transcript also demonstrates your willingness to take on difficult challenges and excel at them.

• Take standardized tests. Although not always necessary (Pacific is an exam-optional university)Good results on tests such as PSAT, SAT or ACT can be included with your application. (Pacific Codes: SAT: 4601, ACT: 3488)

  These scores can be used to balance other areas of your application that may fall below a school's minimum requirements or to enhance an already strong application.

• Planning the graduating classes. Talking with your high school counselor can help you figure out which courses you took in your senior year will be helpful for your future major or field of study.

  A better GPA or good grades in certain courses during your senior year can boost your college application if you achieve them before receiving an admissions decision.

Step Two: Schedule college tours at schools you are interested in

You don't have to be a senior to visit a college campus and speak with an admissions counselor.

For those who apply last year and want to experience the campuses in their most vibrant form, A visit in the spring during your penultimate year of study is ideal.

Not only can junior year campus visits help you figure out what interests you about a particular college, but talking to professors who share your passions can help you more accurately determine what you want to focus on during your senior year.

Many schools, including Pacific, organize special Open days at universities for high school students only This can take place both virtually and in person.

These open days answer questions on everything from application requirements to life on campus. Admission is always free.

Of course, if you live nearby, schools are also happy to offer campus tours, answer admissions questions, and introduce you to influential staff members during daily visits.

For anyone in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon Private College Week is an annual, free program held each summer that offers prospective students access to Pacific and nine other colleges!

Step three: Immerse yourself in your passions and choose a major

Your junior year of college is the perfect time to figure out what interests you and use that information both in your college application and in choosing a major in a field you are passionate about.

The high school environment is a perfect place to discover new goals and interests that you can use in the coming months as you prepare for college applications.

You can strengthen your application as a junior and support your future career planning by:

• Volunteer for organizations that interest you. Whether you're committed to advocating for marginalized communities, advancing accessible healthcare, or driving the next innovation in education, investing time in areas that inspire you can boost your application.

• Job shadowing. Preparing to apply to college is the first step toward a career that allows you to turn your passions into goals.

  The summer after your penultimate year of college is the perfect time to connect with people who work in the career you're interested in and learn more about what they do and the training required to do it.

• Connect with referrers. Letters of recommendation are Not required for Pacific for undergraduate applicants. However, they are an optional way to create an even more compelling application.

  When it comes to your strengths, recommenders can come from anywhere, but those who have worked with you on projects you care about are especially helpful.

Step four: Research and make contact

Although eleventh-grade students cannot apply directly to college, that doesn't mean they can't research schools that fit their personality.

Colleges, especially small liberal arts universities like Pacific, welcome messages from prospective students, even if they are just beginning their college search.

For many, the first step in this process can take place at any time during their penultimate year of study: Contact an admissions advisor.

Admissions counselors can help you make the right choices for specific majors or career opportunities and determine if a particular college is right for you.

By connecting with your personal admissions counselor, you'll always have the name and email address of someone you can talk to about your college application journey.

Save money and start your career as soon as possible with Pacific's four-year graduation guarantee!

Find out today and learn how you can become a boxer