Junior Info

GRADES

HERE WE GO!!! Have you gotten the idea that GRADES ARE IMPORTANT! You will apply to colleges before grades are finalized for the 1st semester of your senior year. Make every assignment count in your favor. And you do need to keep up on involvement in school, church, and community as well as part time employment. A good work ethic carries a lot of weight!

COLLEGE DAYS

  • SEPTEMBER. Trinity Christian College Day is a resource event for all juniors. Parents are encouraged to attend with their student.  Various college representatives will be on the DLS campus throughout the year to visit with students.
  • SEPTEMBER. Christian College Fair at Dallas Lutheran is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and make contact with Christian Colleges across the United States.

PLAN TESTING

OCTOBER.  The junior year is the ONLY time that a student takes the PSAT as part of the National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test.  This is a big day with major scholarhips at stake.

JANUARY.

  • Review PSAT and PLAN results.
  • Register for a MINIMUM of two SAT and ACT tests.  (four dates in all)  DO NOT HAVE THE SCORES SENT TO THE COLLEGES ON YOUR INITIAL TEST REGISTRATION. Allow yourself the opportunity to see the score first. There’s time to send the score after you have evaluated your options.
  • Prepare for the tests. Remember, you prepare for the SAT and ACT just as if you were taking final exams. These are not achievement tests. You DO need to study and prepare for the SAT and ACT. Visit “collegboard.com” and “actstudents.org” for study prompts.

CAMPUS VISITS

SPRING BREAK is a great time to visit colleges and universities. Consider the following criteria before you go:

  1. Desired course of study
  2. In state/out of state
  3. Public/private
  4. Two year/four year
  5. Near/far from home
  6. Large/small
  7. On/off campus living
  8. Cost
  9. Extra-curricular activities

Make a list of colleges which meet the above criteria. Check the entrance requirements for these colleges. Explore college websites.

APPLICATIONS

During the summer between Junior and Senior years, you should begin the application process. It is recommended that you apply to at least three (3) institutions. Applications should be submitted between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15. (Consider using the Texas Common Application at www.applytexas.org)

FINANCIAL PLAN 

Prepare your financial plan. Research financial aid, employment, loans, scholarships and grants. Most institutions will prepare a financial package after you have been accepted.