Juniors, the mantle has officially been passed from the seniors to you. You’ve been watching and hearing your senior friends go through the college admissions process, and now it’s your turn.

Buckle up parents and students – it won’t necessarily be bumpy, but it will be an eye-opening ride.

Here are some things you should be thinking about over the next few months:

Academics: Focus on doing well in your classes. You will be applying next fall, so the grades from junior year are the last grades most colleges will see unless they request a first semester senior year transcript. Make an effort to participate in class and get to know your teachers a little bit better. Colleges generally prefer letters of recommendation from a student’s junior year because those teachers are most familiar with the depth and breadth of a student’s work.

Extracurricular Activities: Participate, lead, follow-through. By junior year you should have determined the clubs and activities that are most meaningful to you. Be actively engaged in your activities and don’t create a long list of club memberships that are “do nothing” clubs. You are better off getting involved in one or two extracurricular activities that require a bigger time commitment but offer you activities you enjoy.

College Search: Continue researching colleges using guidebooks, college websites, virtual college tour websites (www.youniversitytv.com) and college review websites (www.collegeprowler.com, www.unigo.com). Pick a few academic majors of interest and compare the course offerings in those majors at each of the colleges you’re considering. Prioritize your social interests: greek life, clubs/organizations, school spirit, access to urban/cultural life, etc. Identify the “deal-breakers” – i.e., “if a college doesn’t offer me this, I won’t apply.”

Courses for next year: Give careful consideration to your course selection for senior year. Senior year is not a time to “chill” or take “gut” classes. Although colleges may not see your performance in those classes, the rigor of your anticipated coursework is very important in their decision.

Campus Visits: Try and take advantage of every teacher workday and visit as many colleges on your list as possible. Spring break is the single best time to visit, as long as the college is in session – match your schedule with the colleges you intend to visit. January is not too early to book your campus visits, because it is the best time for visits, some colleges fill up. Make sure to do your research before you visit. You should only be spending time and money visiting colleges that you feel quite certain will make it to your final college list.

Testing: You should have received your scores from the PSAT you took in October and now you can determine if you want to try the ACT and if you feel the need to prep for either test. Be sure to check out each college’s testing requirements to find out if you’ll need to take SAT Subject tests as well.

Organization, etc.: Set up a place and files for college materials. Recycle or throw away mailings from colleges where you’re certain you won’t be applying. Purchase or borrow college guide books. Get to know your guidance/college counselor and the College/Career Center resources at your school. Make sure you are on an email distribution list that informs you of upcoming workshops, college visits, etc.

By Lee Bierer