EXCEL
at School
EXPLORE
Career Paths
IDENTIFY
Your College
FUND
Your Education
APPLY
with Confidence

JUNIORS
Excel at School

  • Confirm that your courses will put you on the right track for college admission or for entrance into a technical program. Ask about test dates for the PSAT, ACT, and SAT.
  • Earn college credit while you’re still in high school with dual enrollment or AP classes. College admissions prefer respectable grades in challenging courses over outstanding grades in easy classes.
  • Continue to take math and foreign language courses. Most four-year public universities require at least two years of a foreign language.
  • Explore new interests with electives offered at your school.
  • Do your best! The PSAT/NMSQT prepares you for the SAT or ACT. Plus, a good PSAT score in 11th grade can open the door to National Merit Scholarships and other awards.
  • Speak confidently. Join the debate team, try out for the school play, or practice public speaking in your community.
  • Read, read, and then read some more. Reading improves your focus, concentration, imagination, and knowledge — in short, it makes you smarter!