HELLO
JUNIORS!
Junior Year College Prep Timeline
Junior year through August:
- Curate your post-secondary list--START NOW
- Common App opens (start early)
- Complete at least one essay (narrative) and have a trusted adult review
- Discuss with two teachers the possibility of getting recommendation letters, IF NEEDED
- Senior Meeting in September to review transcripts, test scores, and the college app process
- Attend College Rep Visits all fall (over 120 will visit!)
- Know your early action deadlines (usually 11/1)
Helpful Links and Resources
Junior Meeting Slides & Video Recordings 2025-2026:
Other Junior Resources:
- Fall Junior Meeting/Junior College Planning Night For Families (Same Slides!)
- Fall College Planning Handout
- Recording of Fall College Planning Night for Families (Zoom Meeting)
- Parent Edition - Junior Workshop Recording Post-Secondary Planning
- Parent Edition - Junior Workshop Slides
- College Handout For Parents
Other Junior Resources:
- Junior Planning Documents (Brag Sheets)
- College Board SAT Practice & Information (SAT Website)
- Find the Right College for You (BigFuture/College Board Website)
- Michigan's Hot 50 Job Outlook Through 2032 (PDF Download)
- Applications for CTE Programs (AAPS Technical Career Information)
Overwhelmed by College Applications? The counseling department has got you covered!
Articles & Books
Articles
Books
- University of Michigan's College Planning Guide - A guide for students & families on steps to take each year of high school.
- 12 Best College Guides: Must Read Admissions Books For Parents and Teens by Dave Bergman, College Transitions
- The Student's Guide To College Planning Edited by Hannah Muniz, Best Colleges
Books
Gap Year Information
Articles
Organizations
Events
USA GAP YEAR FAIRS
Why take a gap year? The best way to learn about gap year options and connect with gap year program providers is to connect face-to-face at a USA Gap Year Fair virtual or in-person event. With more and more students choosing to take gap time this year, there is a growing need for students, parents, and educational professionals to become aware of the advantages of taking “time out” from traditional education and “time on” for experiential learning.
USA Gap Year Fairs is an annual circuit of 30-40 events that bring together reputable gap year organizations, interested students and parents, educational professionals, and gap year experts. For the past 16 years, the circuit has crossed North America each winter and expanded to offer virtual events the last several years. As the premiere event series of its kind, the fairs have provided students with broad exposure to gap year programs that encourage active learning through travel, cultural immersion, service, work experience, and mentorship. Opportunities for face-to-face conversations with gap year program providers, trip leaders, advisors, and alumni offer attendees a personal and individualized experience. Each event begins with a presentation by gap year advisors and alumni. These gap year experts provide attendees with a rich overview of the gap year option, share relevant data, highlight authentic student experiences, and offer tips and resources to help guide families through gap year research.
In 2018, USA GYF was acquired by Go Overseas (GoOverseas.com), the leading site for discovering gap year programs through alum reviews, articles, and scholarship information. With a mission to empower human connection through perspective-changing travel, Go Overseas is thrilled to grow the event circuit and help popularize gap year options in the coming years. Go Overseas is particularly excited to make gap years more accessible than ever this year, not only through offering nationwide free virtual fairs but by offering $5,000+ in gap year scholarships.
For more information on USA Gap Year Fairs, visit www.USAGapYearFairs.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Organizations
- Do you love the outdoors or wilderness expeditions? Check out NOLS (formerly the National Outdoor Leadership School)! The school offers outstanding wilderness skill and leadership training for students as young as 14. It's an interesting option for a gap year or study abroad, too. Many NOLS graduates say the experience was one of the richest and most intense learning experiences of their lives. Stay within the U.S. or go abroad! There's a wide variety of trainings and experiences that can fit everyone.
- CIEE is a reputable study abroad program that includes gap year options! They are accredited by the Gap Year Association, which means they have met the required standards approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. You can find information on their gap year programs here. There are worldwide options available. Follow CIEE on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Twitter to see what you can expect! Stop by the counseling office if interested, and Heather can help put you in touch with a CIEE representative.
Events
USA GAP YEAR FAIRS
Why take a gap year? The best way to learn about gap year options and connect with gap year program providers is to connect face-to-face at a USA Gap Year Fair virtual or in-person event. With more and more students choosing to take gap time this year, there is a growing need for students, parents, and educational professionals to become aware of the advantages of taking “time out” from traditional education and “time on” for experiential learning.
USA Gap Year Fairs is an annual circuit of 30-40 events that bring together reputable gap year organizations, interested students and parents, educational professionals, and gap year experts. For the past 16 years, the circuit has crossed North America each winter and expanded to offer virtual events the last several years. As the premiere event series of its kind, the fairs have provided students with broad exposure to gap year programs that encourage active learning through travel, cultural immersion, service, work experience, and mentorship. Opportunities for face-to-face conversations with gap year program providers, trip leaders, advisors, and alumni offer attendees a personal and individualized experience. Each event begins with a presentation by gap year advisors and alumni. These gap year experts provide attendees with a rich overview of the gap year option, share relevant data, highlight authentic student experiences, and offer tips and resources to help guide families through gap year research.
In 2018, USA GYF was acquired by Go Overseas (GoOverseas.com), the leading site for discovering gap year programs through alum reviews, articles, and scholarship information. With a mission to empower human connection through perspective-changing travel, Go Overseas is thrilled to grow the event circuit and help popularize gap year options in the coming years. Go Overseas is particularly excited to make gap years more accessible than ever this year, not only through offering nationwide free virtual fairs but by offering $5,000+ in gap year scholarships.
For more information on USA Gap Year Fairs, visit www.USAGapYearFairs.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
