Junior Year

On this page are ACTION items that each Junior Spartan student needs to complete in a timely manner.  
Each bold GREEN title is an ACTION item that needs to be completed.  
​This page will be updated as needed, so check back often. 

Directly below is the info from the Junior Class Peer Group meetings led by Ms. Hollister February 15th, 2023

NOT SURE HOW TO START THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS?

Click here for the Junior to-do Checklist - Helps you get ready for Graduation and the College/University Application Process 

  • Keep track of your high school credits and graduation requirements 
  • Want to play sports in college?  You must start this process as soon as possible! Compare your personal calendar with the SAT and ACT calendar – plan and register online for your SAT & ACT exams this fall even if you are taking them in the spring!
  • If you qualify for financial need, get a Fee Waiver from your counselor to pay for the  SAT/ACT!
  • Use the FREE site, Number2.com and SHMOOP for SAT and ACT practice.
  • Did you know that you can link your PSAT scores to Kahn Academy and access free, personalized SAT prep? Go to www.collegeboard.com to find this resource
  • Access www.collegeforalltexans.com for FREE comprehensive high school to college planning.
  • Organize your college files. Make sure you keep copies of all things related to your time at SHS.  
  • Download a scanner app to your phone.  Tiny Scanner is a great one, but there are others.
  • Build a positive rapport with your junior-year teachers! 
  • Most letters of recommendation are written in the fall of your senior year by teachers you had as a junior. Some colleges/universities DO NOT require a letter.  Call the admissions office at the college/university that you would like to attend. 
  • Attend the District College Night at Spring Woods High School in October.  This is an excellent way to research lots of colleges in one location so you can make plans to visit   schools in the spring and summer.
  • If you haven't already, now is the time to familiarize yourself with Naviance.  You'll complete many counselor assigned tasks here over the next two years such as updating  resumes, performing college match searches, finding scholarships and requesting recommendation letters.
  • Juniors take the PSAT with their class at SHS during PSAT School Day. No registration or payment required. There will be an SAT in the Spring of Junior Year. 
  • Attend other city-wide college meetings which are usually held at local hotels or schools in the evening or on weekends.  Many colleges also host meetings in the spring so watch the SHS website for updates.  
  • Use college websites for “virtual tours” when you can’t visit a campus.  
  • If you have a social security number, memorize it now.  You will use it to register for tests and on college applications.
  • Interested in one of the military academies? There are local representatives who will assist you with the process.  You must begin this process in your junior year. See your counselor or post-secondary counselor for information.
  • If you are serious about attending college out of state and your family has the resources, begin visiting colleges on long weekends, spring break, and next summer.  Look for Saturday events! Don’t wait until senior year!  
  • Plan your own “Texas Tour of Colleges”.  Map out the Texas colleges/universities you are interested in visiting and plan a long weekend or a week in the summer to see these campuses.

WANT TO PLAY COLLEGE SPORTS? 

  • See the NCAA Tab on this website.   If you are considering playing athletics in college, you must start the process as a junior.  You must follow through with your coaches and the universities/colleges.  At the beginning of your junior year, complete your online registration at www.eligibilitycenter.org.
  • Register to take the ACT, SAT or both and use the NCAA Eligibility Center code “9999” as one of your score recipients. Doing this sends your official score directly to the NCAA  Eligibility Center. Double-check to make sure the courses you have taken match your school’s list of NCAA courses.
  • Order an official transcript through the Registrar’s office to the NCAA Eligibility Center after completing your junior year. NCAA does not accept faxed transcripts. 
  • Talk with your coach(es) NOW and let them know you are interested in pursuing collegiate athletics.
  • Video clips are a common addition to the application process.  Clips should be no more than 10-15 minutes in length and should be a composite of highlights. 

VISITING COLLEGES? 
HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO ASK WHILE VISITING!

  • How accessible is the faculty?
  • How much time do students spend studying?
  • What extracurricular activities are available?
  • What do students do for fun on weekends?
  • Are students safe walking on campus at night?
  • What are the dorms/cafeterias/libraries like? What is the food like?

Questions to Ask an Admissions Officer
 

  • Does the college accept both the SAT and the ACT? Does the college require SAT Subject tests? If so, how many & which ones?
  • Does the college accept AP (Advanced Placement) and ECP (Early College Program)/or Dual Credit hours?
  • Does the college want 2 or 3 years of a foreign language?
  • What foreign languages does the college accept?  If you are taking American Sign Language as your foreign language, ask if they take ASL  credit. 
  • What are the most popular majors on this campus?
  • Can students change majors?   How easy/difficult is it?