11th Grade
Junior year is considered the most intense year and there is much work academically and personally to be completed.
DID YOU KNOW?
Taking the PSAT, offered for free in October, is the qualification for National Merit Finalist, Semi-finalist, and Quarterfinalist selection.
if you are taking dual enrollment courses, it is also time to begin identifying possible majors and career
There are almost 150 tasks to compete between Junior and Senior years to prepare for and apply to college. Starting early will make that process easier and less stressful.
Self-Discovery- Junior year is a time to deep dive and begin exploring interests. We will either begin this journey or revisit their previous results to identify changes so that they can delve deeper into exploring possible majors and careers of interest. By 15-16 years old, your student's aptitudes are solidified. Their interests will continue to evolve through the years. We employ assessments to help to identify these natural abilities and curiosities and then use this information. We also help to create a plan to explore possible interests for majors and careers.
College Tours- Visiting campuses is a critical part of finding a good fit. We take the time to help you make a plan to narrow down the criteria and identify what schools meet your academic criteria so that you are using your time and finances to go to tours that aren't likely a good fit. Additionally, we can help with details to look for and local hangouts to check out on your visit.
Standardized Testing- Testing is becoming less of an emphasis in some parts of the country but for now many institutions still require them. Having a strategy is important.
Course Selection Planning - The Junior year is considered the most intense year, so having a plan will help to reduce some of that stress. The rigor of the Junior year will be what colleges focus most on. Colleges look at the rigor your local school offers and your student is compared to others from similar education opportunities.
Dual Enrollment- This is our specialty, though we also support students who choose to focus on traditional high school course paths as well. Many students are interested in taking advantage of this program where each course counts both for high school and college credits. Many Florida school districts offer these courses at no cost to students or their families. This means students can earn a 2-year college Associates of Arts (AA) degree while still in high school. Though not a great option for every student, for some (especially those that intend to go on past a bachelor's degree) it can be a wonderful option. Knowing which instructors to take (as which to avoid) can make or break. We not only have that knowledge, but we also teach your student how to evaluate and build a schedule based on personal strength/challenges, and other time obligations. This skill will carry them through college. We have all had a tough professor. It can't always be avoided, so we teach your students techniques to help them work through difficult situations and set themselves up for success.
Extracurricular Activity Planning - This is the year to start taking on more leadership roles and diving in deeper. Remember that colleges care about what you are involved in but also the depth and breadth of your involvement. Admissions counselors want to know what you use your limited free time doing. Whether that is working to help your family or playing sports, you will be asked how your spend your time, make sure you are considering what your big picture looks like on paper. We work with your student to emphasize involvement in and out of the classroom. We continue the guided journey to identify interests and explore opportunities and see your student for the unique individual he/she is.
Community Service- By Junior year, your community service should tell a story about what you value. Are you a tree hugger? Do your love animals? Do you give back to the sport you love by coaching younger players? Together, we will work to tell your story through your community engagement. Every Florida student has the opportunity to earn the Bright Futures scholarship if they qualify. One of those qualifications is 75-100 hours of community service (restrictions apply). Though the scholarship opportunity is nice, the reality is that these experiences along with your extracurriculars will also make writing the college application that much easier as well. But it isn't just about logging the hours, it is about having impactful experiences. How do you want to give back?
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