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College application deadlines have a tendency to come up fast. But the process of preparing for college typically begins much earlier than senior year.

Plenty of students prefer to get ready as early as their junior year of high school in an effort to strengthen their eventual college applications (and make the process more manageable).

For those interested in college, some years of high school carry more weight — especially, the junior year. Colleges often look more closely at grades and achievements from this year, since coursework tends to be more challenging and it’s the last full academic year they can view before students apply.

As a result, approaching junior year with a clear action plan may give you a leg up on admission into your dream college. Compiling a junior year of high school checklist can help you tackle this vital year with more drive, confidence, and focus.

Here’s an overview of why junior year of high school is so key and some strategies for staying focused while preparing to apply for college.

Why Junior Year Is Important

Junior year of high school can be especially impactful for strengthening your college application. Since it’s the last school year that universities can look at in full, many admissions committees pay particularly close attention to grades and extracurricular activities from junior year.

The third year of high school can feel overwhelming for a few reasons:

•   Class difficulty levels are often higher than earlier years.

•   Students can begin studying now for the SAT and ACT. (It’s possible to take these exams in the spring of junior year, affording juniors a chance to retake them during the fall of senior year.)

•   Upper-class students can take on numerous extracurriculars and a part-time job.

To help make junior year a lighter lift, it can help to enter into it with a checklist in hand. This can not only relieve stress but lead to more success when college acceptance letters are sent out the next year. What follows are some helpful things to keep in mind to make more out of this critical year.


💡 Quick Tip: You’ll make no payments on some private student loans for six months after graduation.

Getting Involved in Extracurriculars

To strengthen their college applications, many juniors opt to get more involved with organizations or activities they care deeply about. Being involved in extracurriculars doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Extracurriculars that might stand out on a college application include clubs, student council, volunteering, athletic endeavors, and more. There’s no one-size-fits-all way for students to be engaged in school or in their communities.

Many high schools host a variety of clubs that students can join. You might choose one or two you’re really passionate about. Participating in a club can serve as a break from hitting the books (all while still fleshing out your college application profile).

Volunteer work is another way to stand out when applying to college. During your junior year, you might seek out a volunteer opportunity with a nonprofit you feel strongly about. Or you might choose a field you hope to work in one day. For instance, if you’re interested in medicine, you might seek out volunteer opportunities in a local hospital.

Staying Focused

To stay organized and focused during your junior year, consider keeping a digital calendar or paper planner. With eight dates available to take the SAT, and ten different dates available to take the ACT, it can be easy for busy students to lose track of when to study for and schedule their standardized tests.

Once you select a test day, it’s a good idea to mark it down on your calendar or planner. You can then work backwards, planning out practice tests and study sessions during the build-up to the testing date.

The simple act of writing things down can make them easier to remember, so some researchers suggest jotting down key dates first in a physical planner before then adding them to a digital device or calendar.

Recommended: ACT vs. SAT: Which Do Colleges Prefer?

Making a Junior Year Checklist

In addition to writing down important dates, you might benefit from making a personalized junior year checklist. Some tasks you could include are:

•   Studying for major tests, like the SAT or ACT

•   Joining extracurricular clubs or organizations

•   Researching different colleges and universities

•   Getting familiar with the format of college applications

Once you draft your checklist, you can then make to-do lists under each subcategory. Use your calendar/planner in tandem with your checklist to stay on top of these goals and deadlines.

Designating a Study Space

Creating a dedicated space for studying can also improve your focus during a jam-packed school year. You might opt to designate a comfy space at home, where you can concentrate on your studies. To make the space both inviting and conducive to working, consider decking it out with school supplies, keeping it clutter-free, and decorating it with inspirational pictures or personal items (like a photo of your dream school).

Remembering to Reward Accomplishments

To keep up your motivation, it’s important to reward major accomplishments during this high-stakes year. Once you’ve scheduled and mapped out important dates and tasks, you might make another list of potential fun rewards for meeting each goal. Aced those finals? Binge on some light TV. Finished the SAT practice exam? Download that new game everyone’s been playing.

Keep in mind that an overly hectic junior year can lead to excess stress and possibly make it harder to accomplish big goals. Carving some time out for regular breaks can help you avoid burnout.

Getting a First Job

Junior year can also be a good time to get your first part-time job. If you can find a job that’s easy to get to and from (and doesn’t distract from academics), work experience can be one more experience to highlight on a college application down the road. Holding a part-time job at a young age demonstrates skills such as time-management and personal responsibility.

Your high school might also offer “work-like” opportunities to upperclassmen, such as working on the school yearbook, interning for credit, or volunteering on or off site.

Recommended: Am I Eligible for Work-Study?

Financing College

Earning admission is just one piece of the going-to-college puzzle. Once accepted, many high schoolers wrestle with how to pay for college.

Some funding options include savings, need-based grants, merit or affinity scholarships, federal student loans, and private student loans.

Some grants, such as Federal Pell Grants, are disbursed by the U.S. government to students with financial need. Grants, unlike loans, do not typically have to be repaid by the student. Scholarships, another source of “free money,” are frequently merit-based, meaning they’re often awarded based on a student’s academic, athletic, or community-based accomplishments. You can find information about scholarships through your high school guidance counselor, the financial aid office at your chosen college, and by using an online scholarship database.

Loans are another common way to help pay for college. There are both federal and private student loans. Federal student loans are issued by the U.S. Department of Education and come with various benefits, including low fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment, and deferment options. Private student loans are funded by banks, credit unions, and online lenders. These loans can have fixed or variable interest rates, and repayment terms vary depending on the lender. Approval for private loans is typically based on the borrower’s credit score and history; students typically need a cosigner.


💡 Quick Tip: Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find more competitive rates on no-fees-required private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

The Takeaway

Junior year isn’t just another grade — it’s a turning point that can play a vital role in shaping your college journey. With your grades, test scores, extracurricular, and leadership roles carrying extra weight this year, planning ahead can give you the chance to stand out when it’s time to apply to college.

Whether it’s prepping for standardized tests, leaning in on extracurricular activities, exploring career interests through volunteering, or researching your funding options, the steps you take this year can open big doors when application season arrives.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Why is the junior year of high school important?

Junior year is often considered a pivotal stage in high school because it’s the last full academic year colleges can evaluate before applications are submitted. This is a time when students are expected to demonstrate academic growth and maturity, often by taking on more challenging coursework. It’s also when students take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Strong performance in junior year can give you access to more selective colleges, scholarships, and advanced senior year opportunities.

Does junior year matter in high school?

Yes, junior year matters significantly in high school. Colleges often see it as the most telling year of a student’s academic ability since it reflects performance in challenging upper-level courses. It’s also when extracurricular involvements, leadership roles, and community service can become more meaningful on applications. Since college admissions officers often review transcripts through junior year, strong grades and achievements during this time can make a major difference in future opportunities.

Why is 11th grade the most important year?

Eleventh grade is often considered the most important year because it’s the final full year of grades colleges will see before applications are submitted. Students are typically enrolled in their most challenging courses, giving them a chance to show academic growth. Standardized tests scores, advanced coursework, and extracurricular commitments during this year can help open doors during application season.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q325-086

While college rankings matter, it can be a good idea to view them through a lens of what matters most to you about the college experience and what you’re hoping to get out of it.

Colleges and universities each have different strengths and weaknesses, and published rankings can help you learn which schools are the strongest in different areas, and whether or not a college has improved or lagged behind other schools in recent years.

Rankings may also allow you to filter schools by selected academic and nonacademic characteristics, and help you hone in on schools that may meet your specific needs.

That said, rankings aren’t everything. Even U.S. News & World Report says on its best-colleges website: “The rankings provide a good starting point for students trying to compare schools.… The best school for each student, experts say, is one that will most completely meet his or her needs, which go beyond academics.

Here’s what you need to know about college rankings.

What Are the College Rankings?

There is no single, ultimate, college ranking. All over the world, there are entities using a wide array of criteria to appraise universities and determine which ones are “the best.”

The factors an organization or company will use to come up with their college rankings can vary, which is why you might see a school ranked #3 on one list and #9 on another. However, here are some factors list-makers will commonly consider when ranking schools:

•  Student-faculty ratio

•  Class sizes

•  First year retention rates

•  Graduation rates

•  Post-graduation employment statistics

•  Student debt after graduation

•  Acceptance rates

•  ACT and SAT scores

•  Endowment size

•  Academic reputation

•  Faculty salaries

•  Research output

Though college rankings typically consider a large amount of information, they won’t tell you everything you need to know about a college. As a result, you may want to use rankings as one of many factors to make your list of prospective colleges. Ideally, you want to find a school that matches your interests, needs, goals, and budget.


💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

What Really Matters

Although many groups rank colleges, the term “college rankings” commonly refers to the U.S. News & World Report list, which rewards graduation rates and reputation.

But there’s also The Princeton Review, which drills down on other factors like quality of life, extracurriculars, social scene, and town life. They even rank colleges with “Lots of Beer,” based on student ratings of how widely beer is used at their schools, and “Lots of Greek Life,” based on student ratings of the popularity of fraternities and sororities at their schools.”

As you look at different college rankings, you’ll want to keep your own priorities in mind, whether that’s finding the best school for your chosen field, honing in on schools that have the smallest class sizes, or finding a school that is known for being a good value.

You may want to use college rankings in combination with a number of other resources, including college guide books and talking to friends and family that have gone (or currently go) to schools that interest you. College tours can also provide a wealth of information about a school.


💡 Quick Tip: Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find much lower rates on no-fee private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

The Bottom-Line Question

No discussion of college would be complete without touching on what you can afford to spend. Is going to college worth it? The answer depends on how much your chosen college will cost, how much aid you will get, how much you will need to borrow, and what you plan to do with your degree.

To get a sense of what a college will cost you out-of-pocket, a good first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which considers eligibility for grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. But even after scholarships, federal aid, and any college savings plans, many students come up short when all education expenses are tallied.

At that point, you may want to consider private student loans. These are available from private lenders, such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms will vary depending on the lender, so it can be well worthwhile to shop around. Borrowers (or cosigners) with excellent credit tend to qualify for the lowest rates. Just keep in mind that private student loans don’t necessarily offer the same protections, like income-driven repayment, that come with federal student loans.

The Takeaway

College rankings can be a useful tool in your search, but they tend to be best used as a starting point, not the deciding factor. While rankings can help highlight a school’s strengths and unique characteristics, they don’t capture the full picture of campus culture, support systems, or personal fit.

Your ideal school is the one that aligns with your academic goals, financial realities, and the experience you want to have — both inside and outside the classroom. Use ranking in combination with campus visits, conversations with current students, and your own priorities to find the college that feels like the right match for you.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Do universities care about rankings?

Universities often care about rankings as they can influence reputation, student applications, and funding opportunities. High rankings can attract top faculty and students, enhance prestige, and provide a competitive edge in the academic world. However, not all institutions prioritize them equally. Some focus more on academic mission, student experience, or community impact than on external ranking systems.

Do university rankings matter?

University rankings can matter, but their importance depends on your goals. For some students, a highly ranked school offers stronger networking opportunities, research resources, and perceived prestige. However, rankings don’t always reflect teaching quality, campus culture, or fit for individual students. They’re often based on quantifiable metrics, such as research output and reputation surveys, that may not match every student’s priorities. Ultimately, rankings can be one factor, but not the only one, in choosing a school.

Why do people care so much about college rankings?

People care about college rankings because they provide a quick, comparative measure of institutional quality. A higher-ranked school is often associated with better job prospects, stronger alumni networks, and academic excellence. Social pressure and media coverage amplify their significance, making rankings seem like a decisive factor, even though individual fit may matter more.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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