Stage 3 of 7
Strategy
Build strategy, not just a checklist.
- Timeframe
- Junior Year
- Primary goal
- Turn preparation into intentional strategy.
- Effort
- Junior year calls for more intentional planning, but the workload should be paced around school deadlines and your student's readiness rather than a rigid number of hours.
Quick Start
Start with these three priorities:
- 1Start building a preliminary college list. It doesn't need to be final.
- 2Review your student's testing plans, including the junior-year PSAT/NMSQT and whether SAT or ACT preparation or testing makes sense for your student.
- 3Continue the family conversation about what you can realistically afford for college.
Stage Snapshot
Junior year is when college planning becomes more focused. Your student's academic record, interests, and experiences are beginning to provide a clearer picture of the colleges and opportunities that may be a good fit. This is also the time to start building a balanced college list, make informed decisions about testing, and take a closer look at what different colleges might actually cost your family.
There's more to think about this year, but you don't need to make every decision at once. A preliminary college list can change, testing plans will depend on your student's needs and goals, and financial estimates can become more specific as you research individual schools.
The goal is to move into senior year with a clearer direction and a manageable plan, while leaving room for your student's interests and priorities to evolve.
Starting late, or behind on Stages 1–2?
You can still make meaningful progress starting now. Begin with the priorities that matter most this year: understanding your student's academic options, building a preliminary college list, reviewing testing needs, and discussing affordability. You don't need to recreate everything from earlier stages before moving forward.
Unlock the complete Strategy guide.
- Six prioritized action steps
- College list and affordability guidance
- Three decision-making frameworks
- Testing, recommendations, and senior-year preparation
Full access includes all seven stages, Trusted Resources, Deadlines, the Family Planning Meeting, and the Scholarship Tracker.