WELCOME TO JUNIOR YEAR!

It’s one of the most important years in your high school career and often the most challenging.  Your grades are especially important as those are the ones colleges will be looking at when considering you for admissions.

In addition to maintaining excellent grades, you should also be researching colleges on the web, by attending college fairs, visiting schools that interest you, and speaking with admissions representatives when they are on campus.

Finally, you will also be preparing for and taking any necessary standardized tests.

The following is a timeline designed to help you stay on track.

September

• Sign up for college representative visits through our Guidance office. 
• Continue to use SCOIR to research colleges, potential majors and admission requirements. 
• Visit the Guidance office with any questions you may have.

October/November

• Attend the Junior Parent Meeting
• The PSAT will be administered at OLMA during school hours in October. These scores are used to determine semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Awards. 
• Continue to sign up for college representative visits.
• Continue to work hard in your classes, continue to stay involved in activities, clubs and sports.

December

• Review your PSAT score as you will receive them the 2nd week in December from CollegeBoard. Use your itemized report to study and prepare for you SAT which should be taken at the end of your junior year.
• Consider taking a test Prep class if you are not pleased with your PSAT scores.
• Register for the tests early to avoid late fees and to ensure a spot at your local high school. Remember to include our high school code (310996) so OLMA will receive a copy of your scores.
• If you are unsure of the best time for you to take your SAT, please see your counselor. 
• ACT information is available at act.org 

January/February

• Weekly Guidance classes begin.
• It is encouraged that all junior and parent(s) attend the College Search Process evening presentation.

March/April/May

• Guidance will work to enhance a resume, research careers and develop a list of colleges that interest you.
• Use the spring to attend open houses at various colleges and attend information sessions.
• Students should be registered for an SAT or ACT.  Explore schools that SAT/ACT optional or require a standardized test score.
• Ask teachers personally for a letter of recommendation, it is suggested to ask two teachers.
• Participate in Essay Boot Camp.

 

WELCOME TO SENIOR YEAR!

Believe it or not, you are in your final year of high school.  On the Guidance front, there’s a lot to do.  Below is a timeline to help keep you on track:

September

• Attend the College Application Process evening presentation.
• Guidance classes meet weekly.
• Attend information sessions with college admission representatives.
• Update you SCOIR account with your colleges of interest.
• Be sure to have someone review your college essay.
• Have your counselor review your common application.
• If you need to improve your test scores, prepare for these tests now and register to take them soon.  All testing should be completed by December.
• Register online for the SAT test and for the ACT test.
• Begin to aggressively research scholarship opportunities.
• Register for the tests early to avoid late fees and to ensure a spot at your local high school. Remember to include our high school code (310996) so OLMA will receive a copy of your scores.

October/November

• Attend the Financial Aid Workshop.
• Retake the SAT or ACT as needed.  
• The FAFSA opens on October 1.   Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible.
• Continue to attend attend information sessions with college representatives.
• Follow your potential college admission offices on social media.
•  Participate in Instant Decision Day.
• Send SAT/ACT scores directly to colleges.
• Continue visiting colleges.
• Prospective college athletes should register with NCAA and forward transcripts.
• Complete all applications.
• Early action deadlines for most schools will fall during these months.

December

• Regular decision deadlines for schools will begin during this time. Make sure you keep track of all application deadlines.

January/February

• Update your SCOIR account whenever you receive acceptance letters and make admissions decisions.
• Continue to research and apply for scholarship opportunities.
• Mid-year reports and transcripts will go out to all schools where you have applied. Continue to communicate with your counselor for additional required documents.

March/April

• By now you should have heard from most, if not all, of the schools to which you  have applied.   Take this time to really compare the schools you are considering and make an informed decision about where you will spend the next four years.
• Attend Accepted Student Days for all the schools you have been accepted.
• Discuss with your family your options, discuss financial aid packages, and what the best school is for you to thrive.
• Remember you have until May 1 to commit to your college.

May

• Once you’ve sent a deposit to the school you plan to attend, request that your Counselor send your final transcript.