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College Counseling
College Counseling for Juniors
As we enter the final month of classes at MacDuffie, it’s time to focus on the members of the junior class who will be applying to colleges in the fall. There are a number of things that juniors should be doing as the summer approaches:
- Making appointments with the College Counselor: At these meetings, we begin to assemble and refine each student’s list of potential college choices. These meetings are designed to allow students to ask questions and to take an honest and reflective look at their overall experience at MacDuffie while molding the college search process to fit their needs.
- Signing up for Standardized Testing: Students should discuss their testing options with the College Counselor and make sure to register for the appropriate tests. Further information on dates and registration for the SAT I and SAT II Subject Tests can be found at www.collegeboard.com. Information on the ACT can be found at www.act.org.
- Planning College Visits: Summer presents a good opportunity to visit colleges. While it is true that there are fewer students and classes in session, many colleges organize special summer programs with student-led tour guides. Also, students considering colleges that are several hours away from home may find the summer an easier time to get on campus for a visit. Students should call colleges well in advance to schedule appointments and to get the correct visit times.
- Making Plans for a Rewarding Summer: While grades and test scores are an important piece of a student’s college application, extracurricular and summer activities are also of interest to colleges and universities. Summer jobs, internships, community service, or summer classes at a local college or community college are all valuable ways to spend the summer. Also, students can work on college essays, construct a resume of their various extracurricular activities, and prepare for the SAT and/or ACT. Finally, students should work on summer reading assignments and plan for a productive senior year.
Keep in mind that the senior year arrives quickly and is over before you know it. The college application season will move fast and furiously once the school year starts. It pays off to have a plan in place and to work actively throughout the end of junior year and during the summer. As always, students and their families are free to contact Mr. Morris in the College Counseling office with any questions or concerns.
Mr. Morris, College Counseling