What Juniors Should Be Doing Right Now (and Why Starting Early Really Pays Off)
- Cheryl Coughlin
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
College planning tips for high school juniors: a parent’s guide to timelines, stress reduction, and smarter admissions decisions
Here’s what high school juniors should be focusing on right now—and why working with a college advisor like BestFit College Advisors can make all the difference.
🎯 1. Getting Clear on Academics (Before Senior Year Sneaks Up)
Junior year grades are some of the most important grades colleges will see. This is the last full year of coursework on your student’s transcript when they apply.
Now is the time to:
Evaluate course rigor (are classes challenging enough?)
Identify strengths and gaps
Make smart senior-year course decisions
At BestFit College Advisors, we help students look at their transcript through an admissions lens—so there are no surprises later.
🧭 2. Exploring Colleges With Intention (Not Panic Googling)
A lot of students wait until senior year to think seriously about colleges… and that’s when overwhelm hits 😵💫
Juniors should be:
Exploring different types of colleges (size, location, vibe)
Understanding what “fit” really means (academically, socially, emotionally)
Starting a balanced college list
This is where working with BestFit College Advisors is especially helpful—we help students move beyond rankings and focus on schools where they’ll actually thrive 🌱
✍️ 3. Laying the Groundwork for Strong Essays
No one writes their best college essay under pressure. Starting junior year means:
Reflecting on meaningful experiences
Identifying potential essay themes
Avoiding cliché, last-minute drafts
When students work with a college advisor early, their essays feel more authentic, confident, and them—not rushed or forced.
📆 4. Creating a Realistic Timeline (That Doesn’t Take Over Your Life)
Between school, sports, activities, and being a teenager, college planning can feel like too much.
A college advisor helps juniors:
Break the process into manageable steps
Stay on track without constant stress
Avoid missed deadlines and last-minute chaos
At BestFit College Advisors, we act as both guide and sounding board—so families feel supported every step of the way 💙
💡 Why Work With a College Advisor During Junior Year?
Starting early isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing things smarter.
Families who work with BestFit College Advisors during junior year benefit from:
Clear direction and expert insight
Personalized strategy (no cookie-cutter plans)
Reduced stress for both students and parents 😌
Most importantly, students gain confidence. And that confidence shows up everywhere—from applications to interviews to final decisions.
Final Thought
Junior year sets the tone for the entire college admissions journey. Getting support now means fewer surprises later—and a process that feels thoughtful, intentional, and empowering ✨
If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to start… it is.