Level All Team
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March 12, 2026
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4 min
March is a key moment in junior year. By now, the school year is in full swing, but there’s still time to make important moves that will shape your college application process. From planning your schedule and extracurriculars to thinking about testing and summer opportunities, the steps you take now can make the rest of the year much smoother. If you’re wondering what to focus on this month, here are some of the most important things high school juniors should be doing right now to stay on track for college.
One of the most helpful things you can do in March is make sure your junior year calendar is organized. Ideally, students start this process at the end of 10th grade or the very beginning of 11th grade—but it’s never too late to get started. Creating a clear calendar helps you see upcoming deadlines, tests, and activities all in one place so nothing sneaks up on you.
Start by adding your school deadlines, major assignments, and testing dates. Then layer in college prep milestones from resources like a college application preparation tracker, an 11th grade college prep checklist, and a college-bound student brag sheet. These tools help you track achievements, responsibilities, and accomplishments you may eventually include in college applications. If you want a structured way to organize everything, you can follow Level All’s step-by-step junior year guide.
When everything lives in one calendar, it’s much easier to manage your time and stay organized throughout the year.
If you haven’t already checked in with your counselor this semester, March is a great time to schedule a meeting. Your school counselor—and a college counselor, if your school offers one—can help you confirm that you’re on track academically and prepared for senior year and beyond.
During the meeting, review your current 11th grade class schedule and confirm that you’re meeting graduation requirements. This is also a good time to talk about standardized testing options like the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, or ACT, including when you plan to take them. If you need testing accommodations, your counselor can help you understand how to request them. Finally, take the opportunity to ask questions about college pathways, career exploration, and any alternative options you may be considering after high school.
Colleges look for students who pursue activities they genuinely care about, not just students who join as many clubs as possible. That’s why junior year is an important time to take a thoughtful look at how you’re spending your time outside the classroom.
If you’re already involved in activities, consider where you want to deepen your commitment or take on leadership roles. If you haven’t gotten involved yet, it’s not too late—look for clubs, sports, community service opportunities, or part-time work that interests you. As you participate, keep track of your experiences in a brag sheet so you remember what you’ve done and what you’ve learned. Over time, those records will make it much easier to complete college applications and scholarship forms.
Standardized testing can feel overwhelming, but having a clear plan can make the process much more manageable. March is a great time to decide which exams you may take and when. Many juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT during the fall of 11th grade, which can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program, while others focus on the SAT or ACT during the spring.
As you plan, think about how much preparation time you’ll need and whether you want to take a test more than once. Familiarizing yourself with the format of each exam, practicing with sample questions, and building good test-taking habits can all improve your confidence and performance. Remember that many colleges now offer test-optional policies, but strong scores can still strengthen an application in some cases.
Believe it or not, planning your senior year schedule often begins during junior year. Schools typically ask students to select their 12th grade courses in the spring, so March is a great time to start thinking about your options.
Meet with your counselor to review the classes you’ve already completed and discuss what courses will best support your goals. If possible, consider taking advanced or challenging coursework such as honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or dual enrollment classes. These courses can demonstrate academic readiness and, in some cases, help you earn college credit. Your senior year schedule is also a chance to explore subjects that connect to potential career interests, giving you a clearer sense of what you might want to study after high school.
Summer after junior year is one of the most important stretches of time for college preparation. It offers a chance to build experiences, explore interests, and begin preparing for applications before senior year gets busy.
Think about how you want to spend those months. Some students take on jobs or internships, while others volunteer, attend summer programs, or take classes. Even personal projects—like starting a small business, organizing a community event, or developing a creative portfolio—can be meaningful ways to grow and learn. Planning ahead now gives you time to research opportunities, apply to programs, and make sure your summer supports your long-term goals.
Junior year can feel busy, but the effort you put in now can make your college preparation much easier later. By organizing your calendar, meeting with your counselor, staying involved in activities, planning for tests, selecting senior year courses, and thinking ahead to summer, you’ll be building a strong foundation for the college application process.
The most important thing to remember is that preparation doesn’t have to happen all at once. Small, consistent steps—taken month by month—can help you stay confident, organized, and ready for the opportunities ahead.
