University, College or Tech School

Junior Year "To DO" List if You Are University, College or Technical School Bound:

Check out the Higher Education section of this website.

September:

	If you are interested in attending a university or 4yr college after graduation you should register for the PSAT test.
	Make sure you are taking classes that will enable you to meet college "core requirement".

October:

Take the PSAT. Attend one of the college fairs this year. There will be one in Bellingham that hosts all of the Washington state public schools. Watch for information about it in the career center bulletin.

November:

	Check to see if any of the colleges you are applying to are part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange program. This could save you $$$$ in out-of-state tuition costs.
	Check with your counselor, make sure you are taking AND passing all the courses needed to graduate.

December:

	Begin preparing a resume to document all of your achievements. This is a VERY important part of the college and scholarship application process. Use the Student Information Form and keep it updated every year.
	Consider doing an "informational interview" with someone working in a field you’re interested in.
	Ask to set up a "Job Shadow" experience with your Career Counselor.

January:

	Take an Interest Inventory. Use this information to help you locate areas of occupational interest and schools that provide training in that field.
	Have three people other than relatives that can write you letters of recommendation. Some scholarships ask for one teacher, one employer and one community member.

February:

	Start researching schools that offer programs you’re interested in. Send letters of inquiry.
	Use the computer programs CHOICES or Career Cruising to help you search OR use any of the other 20 + reference resources available in the Career Center.
	MANY technical training programs will have waiting lists. Now is the time to investigate and possibly get your name on the list.

March:

	*Attend one of the School Tours* offered to Juniors. The High School/College conference with representatives from most Washington State public and private colleges Or you can attend the Bellingham Technical College’s Campus Tour.
	Stop by the Career Center for the handout "Good Questions to Ask Colleges".

April:

	*Take the ASVAB test*, this is a good aptitude test.
	Register to take the SAT or ACT tests. *Will you need to take any SAT II tests for the college(s) you are applying to?* There are several test dates through June. ** The May test will be given on our campus.
	Continue researching schools. Consider setting up campus tours of your top college choices. Stop by the Career Center for help.

May - June:

	KNOW the application deadline dates for ALL of the colleges that you are planning to apply to.
	KNOW all of the requirements for the NCAA Clearinghouse if you are planning to apply Division I or II sports at college.
	Start looking for summer employment in your career interest area.
	*Explore volunteer options* to gain experience. Investigate local clubs or organizations that you can become involved in that are within your career field. The Career Center can help you with all of the above.
	BE SURE YOU TAKE THE ACT OR SAT TEST.
	If you are planning to attend a Technical School you may need to take an assessment test and get on the program’s waiting list NOW.