issues that high-school juniors must deal with to increase their chances of success in college and career.

1. Classes and grades. The choice of junior year classes - and the marks you receive - is very important because it is the last full year of the marks that people will be accepted to review while deciding your future. You will want to adhere to a strict schedule of pre-college classes, including advanced placement or other honors classes, if possible. Do not confuse studies with overload, but the lessons and marks you get in your younger years are very important.

Some of your classmates in your junior year can also play an important role in your senior year - when you ask them to write you a college recommendation letter - so plan to spend some time in your junior year to get to know at least a few favorite teachers on a personal level.

2. Certified tests. The young year, from beginning to end, is full of common tests. Earlier this year, you will be taking the PSAT / NMSQT (SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). This assessment, which measures critical reading, problem solving, and writing skills, is important for three reasons. First of all, it is a good indicator and excellent preparation for the SAT exam that you will take at the end of your junior year. Second, your school may qualify for a selected group of merit scholarships. Third, it is one of the first opportunities you have to ask for information from colleges.

Most school programs have a valid exam that all high school students have to pass in order to graduate, and they usually do so within a short period of time.

In May, if you are taking priority classes, you will have an AP Placement test. These tests are designed to test your knowledge of the subject at college level, with results that recommend you get advanced placement or college credit for that course. More than 90 percent of U.S. colleges and universities They recognize these test scores.

Finally, in May or June, you should schedule SAT and / or ACT - certified basic tests used by most colleges as part of their admission process. Some colleges are very competitive and require some of the five tests for SAT subject subjects - so you may need to schedule SAT subject exams in late spring, although you can wait until the beginning of your senior year.

3. College Planning. The younger year IT'S time to get organized to manage the upcoming college stuff - by mail, email, and college shows and visits to your high school. All college searches can be a little stressful, a little difficult, so feel free to take your time this year and next summer to focus on finding the right college mix. Ideally, by the end of your junior year you will have a list of no more than 10 to 15 colleges.