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Class of 2025

Junior Families - SAVE THE DATE!
JUNIOR YEAR TIMELINE
 
Fall - Semester 1
 
  • Get serious about your schoolwork. Your junior year grades are extremely important in the college admissions process, as is the rigor of your coursework.
  • Assess your inner self. Create your NAVIANCE account at https://student.naviance.com/ermurrow. Take the "Do What You Are" Interest Inventory to align your personality type with a possible field of study/career.
  • Get involved. Commitment to service is an essential facet of the college process. Colleges are looking for students who think outside the academic realm and dedicate their spare time to meaningful activities within school and in the community.
  • Open dialog with your parents/guardians regarding the college and financial process and their limitations on your choices.
  • Check your email. The College Office will email you through Naviance with important information. Also, visit the Murrow websites, https://www.ermurrowhs.org/ for updates.
 
Spring - Semester 2
 
  • Schedule an appointment with Ms. Salowitz-Allone / Ms. Pantelatos / Ms. Alter (rm. 145) at the end of January/beginning of February to discuss your college options. We will comprise a list of prospective colleges together.
  • Get Organized. Narrow down and categorize your choices. Strive for at least (3) safety choices, (2) probable match choices, and (2) reach choices. My role as college guidance counselor is to make sure you have a range of options, with an emphasis on safety choices. It is important to have a realistic view of where your academic and social credentials will take you.
  • Research Colleges. Keep in mind the characteristics of a college that are important: size, location, total cost of attendance, academic rigor, majors, social environment and diversity. Strive for a balance academically and socially. NAVIANCE Family Connection is a fundamental online resource to research colleges.
  • Don't Stress over your intended major. College is about finding yourself. You are given the opportunity to explore your options and try new things. Remember, you DO NOT have to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year of college. You will have plenty of time to make this decision. Your undergraduate college experience is an educational stepping stone and the dress rehearsal for your career.
  • Register for the SAT at www.collegeboard.org in May or June. Additionally, consider the June ACT, which is content based and offers a science section. Visit www.actstudent.org for registration information. I encourage students to take both the SAT and ACT. We will then compare the scores between both exams, and ultimately decide which to submit for the college process. You will also retest in the fall of senior year. I recommend taking the SAT twice, as well as the ACT.
  • Low-income students should bring in their families income tax form to check eligibility for fee waivers for the SAT, ACT, college applications, and special programs SEEK/EOP/HEOP.
  • Attend college fairs. Gather information on a wide variety of academic programs.
  • Follow up with a campus visit or "test drive" when the colleges are in session.
  • If on an AP track, take the AP exams, which will give you a chance to earn college credit.
  • Request two letters of recommendation from academic subject teachers.
  • Apply for summer internships, volunteer programs and employment opportunities.
  • During the summer months, continue visiting. A demonstrated interest is essential in letting the colleges know your enthusiasm for attending.