How High School Juniors Can Get Ahead in the College Process
How High School Juniors Can Get Ahead in the College Process
For families with high school juniors, the pressure of college planning is just around the corner. But those who act early often receive the most financial aid and have the most college choices available. This year is about building momentum.
Here’s What Junior Year Families Should Be Doing Now:
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Research colleges based on financial fit, not just brand name
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Begin test prep for the ACT/SAT to maximize merit aid eligibility
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Narrow down a list of schools that historically give generous aid
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Understand how your financial picture will affect FAFSA and CSS Profile results
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Look ahead to deadlines so there’s no last-minute scrambling
Why It Matters
Colleges favor early planners—early applicants often receive better financial aid offers. And understanding your Expected Family Contribution now gives you time to adjust assets or income before it’s too late.
Start the Process With Confidence
With guidance, junior-year families can stay ahead of the curve, reduce stress, and position themselves for significant savings.
Contact Us Today:
Need help building a financial aid strategy for your high school junior?
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Jarad
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
FAQs: How High School Juniors Can Get Ahead in the College Process
What should juniors focus on first?
How can juniors use spring of 11th grade effectively?
What’s the right approach to SAT/ACT testing?
How should juniors shape their college list?
Do campus visits and demonstrated interest matter?
What makes a strong junior-year extracurricular profile?
How should juniors prepare for recommendation letters?
When should juniors start college essays?
How do juniors evaluate affordability?
Should juniors take AP/IB/dual enrollment courses?
What’s the role of summer after junior year?
How do Early Action and Early Decision factor in?
What organizational tools should juniors set up?
How does Diversified College Planning help juniors get ahead?
About the Author:
Jarad Stolz, CLTC, CRPC (NPN 17371953), is a College Funding Advisor at Diversified College Planning with more than 20 years of experience helping families plan for and pay for college. Jarad specializes in financial aid optimization, Student Aid Index (SAI) reduction, financial positioning, and identifying merit and institutional aid.
He combines admissions strategy with financial planning, helping families build a college list based on fit and affordability, understand the true net cost of college, and follow a clear planning timeline from the early high school years through enrollment.
Last Reviewed: September 30, 2025 |
Reviewed by: Jarad Stolz, CLTC, CRPC
College Funding Advisor, Diversified College Planning | NPN: 17371953
Fact Checked by: Mike Dusombre, CLTC, CRPC
Family Financial Aid Expert, Diversified College Planning | NPN: 20689693
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