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Though it’s late to start now, what can I do as a junior in Highschool to increase my chances to get into my dream college?
I’m Freshmen and sophomore year, I was very busy and I wasn’t able to get into any clubs or extracurriculars. As a junior, is there anything I can to that would look good on my college resume?
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10 answers
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Archived’s Answer
Hi Deylan,
Everyone else has provided excellent advice. This year, your priority should be on obtaining a high GPA and performing well on your standardized tests, as these factors will significantly influence your college admissions chances. Junior year can be pretty challenging as this is when many high school students start taking college-credit classes. There's still time to join a club or an extracurricular activity at your school, or even take the initiative to start one of your own.
Consider exploring summer programs you could participate in before your senior year. These programs will enhance your college application without potentially interfering with your grades or test scores. It's also possible the school you wish to attend offers a dual-enrollment program. You can look into this for the summer and your senior year.
Good luck!
Join or start a club at your school
Research summer programs for high schoolers in your area (Does your dream school offer any programs?)
Everyone else has provided excellent advice. This year, your priority should be on obtaining a high GPA and performing well on your standardized tests, as these factors will significantly influence your college admissions chances. Junior year can be pretty challenging as this is when many high school students start taking college-credit classes. There's still time to join a club or an extracurricular activity at your school, or even take the initiative to start one of your own.
Consider exploring summer programs you could participate in before your senior year. These programs will enhance your college application without potentially interfering with your grades or test scores. It's also possible the school you wish to attend offers a dual-enrollment program. You can look into this for the summer and your senior year.
Good luck!
Archived recommends the following next steps:
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Deylan
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Deylan, thank you for reaching out to us. Excellent question! You're right on time to understand the importance of making the most of your remaining high school years to ensure your acceptance into your dream college or university. There's no need to worry, everything will fall into place for you. For the time being, focus on maintaining a GPA that colleges and universities will find appealing. Conduct some research on the GPA requirements of your potential schools. This will boost your confidence in your skills, talents, and intellectual abilities. Keep going, you're on the right track!
Visit your career counselor and ask some assistance about your career explorations.
Research some colleges and universities that offer your chosen program, learn their GPA requirements etc.
Interview some college students and ask some advice about going to college.
Attend symposia about college life.
Dino recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello Deylon,
It's definitely not too late! Look for volunteer activities, ideally those that align with what you'd like to do in college, but any volunteering is great. If you have a guidance counselor, schedule a meeting with them because they are sure to have some more ideas! You got this!
Look into volunteer opportunities.
Meet with your guidance counselor.
It's definitely not too late! Look for volunteer activities, ideally those that align with what you'd like to do in college, but any volunteering is great. If you have a guidance counselor, schedule a meeting with them because they are sure to have some more ideas! You got this!
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Hi Deylan,
Its never too late to start planning for college. There is a great website that provides a timeline for preparing for college they you should take a look at.
If you aren't able to get into clubs you can still volunteer or intern places. Depending on the career path you're hoping to take you can volunteer in that industry. If you want to do healthcare you should look into volunteering at a hospital or nursing home.
You can even apply to internships paid and unpaid. If you want to do computer science you can sign up for capture the flag events in the community. There are lots of things going on if you search that can add value to your resume.
If you're not sure what you want to do you can volunteer at an organization that is generic like Habitat for Humanity or Red Cross.
https://myfuture.com/college/planning/college-planning-timeline?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoqGnBhAcEiwAwK-OkSZKeP9wgIOlJRag0D94kbfbD66x5tDh7eNZdeB6IXBmljeBdXk5cxoCkXIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Its never too late to start planning for college. There is a great website that provides a timeline for preparing for college they you should take a look at.
If you aren't able to get into clubs you can still volunteer or intern places. Depending on the career path you're hoping to take you can volunteer in that industry. If you want to do healthcare you should look into volunteering at a hospital or nursing home.
You can even apply to internships paid and unpaid. If you want to do computer science you can sign up for capture the flag events in the community. There are lots of things going on if you search that can add value to your resume.
If you're not sure what you want to do you can volunteer at an organization that is generic like Habitat for Humanity or Red Cross.
https://myfuture.com/college/planning/college-planning-timeline?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoqGnBhAcEiwAwK-OkSZKeP9wgIOlJRag0D94kbfbD66x5tDh7eNZdeB6IXBmljeBdXk5cxoCkXIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Updated
Vanny’s Answer
Hello Deylan,
I agree with all the advice given above. And, you're not behind schedule in any way!
I wanted to add, don't get discouraged if you don't get into your first-choice college. You might find that a college you hadn't previously considered becomes a place you truly enjoy. Alternatively, you can always aim to transfer to your dream college in your junior year. Chances are, you'll find your way there eventually.
Sending you all the best,
Vanny
I agree with all the advice given above. And, you're not behind schedule in any way!
I wanted to add, don't get discouraged if you don't get into your first-choice college. You might find that a college you hadn't previously considered becomes a place you truly enjoy. Alternatively, you can always aim to transfer to your dream college in your junior year. Chances are, you'll find your way there eventually.
Sending you all the best,
Vanny
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Deylon, It's not at all too late, and there's a lot you can do. I'm sure there are still extra-curricular activities you can join. Volunteer work and part-time jobs always looks good. You can dedicate yourself to the best grades possible. If there are elective or advanced classes offered that might fit with the college major you might have in mind, that would be extremely helpful. In addition, you can do things like work on your writing, reading, organization and time management skills. Not only will that undoubtedly help you in college, but there's always room on a resumé for mentioning particular skills that you bring.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Deylan
Omani Gilliam
Business Executive | Opening the Doors of Power & Influence for Lasting Inclusive Change. Cross-Functional Doer & Cross Silo Collaborator | CFO
20
Answers
Updated
Omani’s Answer
Hi,
I would recommend learn about the Johari Window. Trust me. Learn about our blind spots as humans. It is never too late because with determination, support system and resilience you will attend your dream college. Stay to the path of consistency and speaking to your guidance counselor. Asking the areas of opportunities, they see if you increase your current subject grades now and applying for colleges you can truly value of your dream! You got this!
I would recommend learn about the Johari Window. Trust me. Learn about our blind spots as humans. It is never too late because with determination, support system and resilience you will attend your dream college. Stay to the path of consistency and speaking to your guidance counselor. Asking the areas of opportunities, they see if you increase your current subject grades now and applying for colleges you can truly value of your dream! You got this!
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Deylan,
It's not late, it's early!
There are many ways to make your college application stronger and winning. You can volunteer, take part in various internships, work experience programs (either online or in-person), participate in different courses, and so on. Also, try to write a very inspiring and interesting motivation letter, explaining why you are a good candidate for that college study program, and emphasize your strengths.
I wish you all the best and good luck in your college applications.
It's not late, it's early!
There are many ways to make your college application stronger and winning. You can volunteer, take part in various internships, work experience programs (either online or in-person), participate in different courses, and so on. Also, try to write a very inspiring and interesting motivation letter, explaining why you are a good candidate for that college study program, and emphasize your strengths.
I wish you all the best and good luck in your college applications.
Updated
Jovenia’s Answer
Have you thought what exactly is your passion? If you're not so sure yet, try doing some volunteer work either through internship programs or community services . Design it as personal journey to know your strengths, undiscovered talents, areas of curiosity and your social learning skills. Reflect daily what you learned about yourself and how you learned from others and vice-versa. Document everything and create your personal portfolio. It's not too late.Everyone has their own phase and pace.
Updated
Mahogony’s Answer
Hello Deylan! There's no better moment than now to pursue whatever ignites your passion. I can relate to your situation since my junior year was also impacted by the pandemic, preventing me from participating in on-campus activities. My advice would be to jot down all the things that genuinely interest you, then explore what clubs and organizations your school provides on campus that align with your interests. Dive right in!
This phase of your life is a golden opportunity for personal development, a time to truly enjoy and make the most of your high school journey, creating lasting memories. Choosing an extracurricular activity that aligns with your personal interests, rather than solely focusing on academics, will likely result in greater dedication and commitment. You'll find it easier to concentrate and discuss your chosen activity with confidence when interacting with others. This is where the magic truly happens - in the development of your networking abilities and your interpersonal skills in whatever you choose to pursue.
I wish you nothing but success, and I'm confident that you'll excel!
This phase of your life is a golden opportunity for personal development, a time to truly enjoy and make the most of your high school journey, creating lasting memories. Choosing an extracurricular activity that aligns with your personal interests, rather than solely focusing on academics, will likely result in greater dedication and commitment. You'll find it easier to concentrate and discuss your chosen activity with confidence when interacting with others. This is where the magic truly happens - in the development of your networking abilities and your interpersonal skills in whatever you choose to pursue.
I wish you nothing but success, and I'm confident that you'll excel!