Juniors
College Planning FOR JuniorS
Junior year is pivotal if attending college is your goal. This is the time to start thinking about career choices, preparing for and completing the standardized testing that will be required for college admission, and to begin visiting campuses. This is also the time to discuss with your family what finances may be available to you to pay for college, and to think about potential sources of financial aid or scholarships. It is very important to keep your grades up during junior year. The college planning guide can help you keep track of your admission test scores and application processes.
Junior Course Scheduling
While in High School, students will receive course selection opportunities each year in January, at which time they will consult with parents and teachers about which courses to take. Course selection for Sophomore, Junior and Senior years takes place in January/February. Classes will be selected with the minimum graduation requirements in mind.
QUESTBRIDGE
The 2024 College Prep Scholars Program application opens in early February . Please sign up now for email reminders.
We are looking for high school juniors who have shown outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, and we do not have absolute criteria or cut-offs for GPA, standardized test scores, income, or other factors.
To sign up and review academic standards:
https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/college-prep-scholars/who-should-apply
COMMON APP ESSAY PROMPTS
The Common App has released the essay prompts for the 2023-24 school year. You can create your account now, or over the summer! When they perform their rollover on August 1st, your responses will be saved, including your personal essay.
College Visit Procedures
Go to your School Counseling Department
Get Planned Absence Form
Get form signed 1 week before your date of visit
The form must be signed by all the following people
Teacher
Parent
Assistant Principal
School Counselor
Return the form to Attendance Office A214
Student will be given the College Visitation Form
When the College Visitation Form is brought back signed the Attendance Office will then change the Excused absence to College Visit
Students are allowed 2 college days in a year
JUNIOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Horatio Alger Association
*For students who have critical financial need and are persevering through adversity, but are committed to obtaining a bachelor's degree.
*Apply by March 15th at Horatioalger.org
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Be enrolled full time as a high school junior in the United StatesExhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution)
Demonstrate critical financial need ($65,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)
Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and
Be a United States citizen
Taking The SAT
Ilinois students took the ISBE-sponsored SAT exam for the first time in spring 2017. This assessment serves as a valuable resource for students as it provides a free college entrance exam to every grade 11 student in the state. Providing this resource statewide increases equity of access for students. Illinois is also using this exam for state and federal accountability for both schools and districts in 2017.
Primary Test Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in Gym
Makeup Test Date: TBA
Accommodated Testing Window: TBA
