Second Semester Junior Year - Roadmap For Success
Juniors, this is a key semester in your high school career as it could be the last full semester that colleges view before you apply, especially if you apply Early Action or Early Decision. A few key areas to focus on and what may be different from past years:
SAT/ACT Tests
Many schools will continue to be test optional for Fall 2022 admissions, however, if you can score well it is very much to your advantage to take standardized tests especially if you are hoping to receive merit aid. I've been advising my students to take the test once, if you think you can score well maybe take it again (studies have shown that three times is the charm), if you don't score well then you can apply without scores. If you need test help there are free online resources (Khan Academy for SAT prep and Act.org for ACT prep).
AP Tests
If you're taking AP classes I advise studying for and taking the AP tests. If you do well you can submit your scores, if you do not then colleges do not have to see them. AP tests at some colleges also give you college credit and may allow you to bypass introductory courses or at some schools use them for credit which can translate into tuition savings.
Academics
Showing colleges you are ready for college level work is best done by proving you are excelling at the rigors of high school classes. Do well on papers and projects, show teamwork and leadership, and study for exams. Attending office hours will build relationships with teachers who will write Letters of Recommendation required for your applications next year. Excelling academically this semester really could make a difference.
Research and (virtually) Visit Colleges
Read websites, talk to seniors about what colleges they've visited and applied to, and view school's social media accounts. Unless you are completely convinced you know the characteristics you're interested in (i.e., urban vs suburban vs rural; large state university vs medium private university vs small liberal arts college; conservatory or college or art and design vs BFA/BA in a traditional college environment) I encourage you to research a variety of schools. Just because you can't physically visit a school you can cultivate relationships with admissions and professors. Your goal is to learn about individual colleges and possibly to develop a relationship with a professor who will want you in their program.
Demonstrate Interest
Sign up for college emails and the open the emails. Follow schools on social media and comment on their posts. Read the college newspapers online, this will also be invaluable when you have to write the "why us" essay. View the senior exhibits or shows. Check to see what companies offer internships in the fields in which you are interested.
Plan your Summer
Now is definitely the time to start planning your summer. Decide what you want your summer to achieve and then work towards that goal. If you want to hone your creative skills look for pre-college summer programs (read this blog: Creative Students Considering a Pre-College Program). If earning money is important start job hunting by creating your resume and talking to contacts in fields in which you might want to work. Colleges really value jobs of servers, retail sales, and the like as they show a maturity to show up every day and work together with others.
Curate and Evaluate your Supplemental Art Materials
If you are applying for a BFA/BMA program you will be required to submit a portfolio, audition materials, films, music tape and the like. Critically evaluate your work, note the gaps both in material and presentation and determine what you need to do to bring a "B" work up to an "A" work. Seek out reviews by professionals and take note of their critiques. Material must be both artistically and technically well presented in your applications.
You can read more about Junior year here. There's a lot to be done, so rely on your parents, teachers, friends and other important people in your life to be a resource and support when you need it. We all have your back.