October Junior Family Engagement Newsletter

Junior year is the most important year in preparing your student for college. Colleges look closely at 11th grade courses, grades, college classes, extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, community service, and volunteer opportunities. Your involvement this year will set the foundation for your student’s future success. Thank you for supporting your child through this important journey! Preparing for college is one of the most important steps in your student’s educational journey. We encourage you to talk with your child about their goals and help them stay on track with classes, grades, and activities that support their future plans. Encourage them to:

 

•    Stay engaged academically by keeping up with assignments and seeking help when needed.
•    Explore interests and careers through extracurriculars activities, volunteer work, or internships.
•    Research colleges and programs to understand requirements and find the right fit.
•    Develop good habits such as time management, study skills, and responsibility.

 

Your support makes a big difference. By working together, we can ensure your student has the tools, confidence, and preparation they need to succeed after high school.

 

•    Take challenging courses (AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, Honors classes).

•    GPA matters, this is the last full year colleges will review.

•    4-year college require A-G completion (with a C or better) to be considered.

LAUSD is offering the SAT during the school day for free to Juniors in March 2026.
Students can take the SAT once in the spring of their junior year.
Some colleges consider a student's SAT  scores and GPA to award merit scholarships on their financial aid offer letters. If you do well on this exam, you could receive more financial aid! 
Many scholarships require applicants to submit their SAT score when applying.
If you're applying to a school that requires test scores or is test optional, good SAT scores can strengthen your applications.

•    Join and stay committed to extracurricular activities.
•    Leadership roles at school or in your community show initiative. UCLA Early Academic Outreach Program
•    Explore careers through job shadowing, internships, or volunteering.

•    Meet with your student’s counselor to review graduation & college plans.
•    Begin a college list (safety, match, reach schools).
•    Visit campuses (in-person or virtual). 
•.   Explore Careers and Colleges online https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org
•    Download the LAUSD Student App to keep a record of activities, honors, and service.