11th Grade

11th grade planning

What Are the Advantages of Taking the ACT Your Junior Year?

You’ve completed most of the coursework that’s reflected on the test.
You can use test scores to influence the classes you take during your senior year. (For example, if you score low in a particular subject, you will have time to schedule additional coursework to help you learn and improve in that area.)
Colleges will know your interests and scores and will have time to contact you during the summer before your senior year.
Many colleges send information about admission, advanced placement, scholarships, and special programs to prospective students during this time.
You will have information about yourself and the schools you’re interested in attending before you go on campus visits, which will help you focus during those visits.
You will have a chance to retest if you feel your scores didn’t accurately reflect your ability.

What is a Good ACT Score as a Junior?

What counts as a "good" score varies based on your goals and the colleges you're considering. Highly selective schools, like Ivy League institutions, may expect scores in the 30s, while smaller or less selective colleges might consider mid-20s competitive. For example, Harvard's average ACT score is 34, compared to 23 at the University of Massachusetts Boston. To set a realistic target, research the average ACT scores at your chosen schools using college websites and admissions resources.

How Do I Know if I Should Retest?

ACT research shows that 57% of students who took the test more than once increased their ACT Composite score.

Look at the requirements for the colleges you’re interested in applying to.
Does your score meet their expectations?
Could you increase your chances of getting into a certain program, or could you qualify for a scholarship if you raised your score, even by one point? One point on your ACT test could make the difference in acceptance into college and/or thousands of dollars in scholarships.
Use your scores on previous tests to continue focusing on the areas that need more instruction.
If you want to improve your score, consider testing again before you start your senior year. The format of the test, the types of questions on it, and the environment will be fresh in your mind.

Free ACT Practice test

Free ACT Practice Tests and Study Guides for the Enhanced ACT

An overview of the ACT test and what to expect on test day
A full-length practice ACT test (including writing prompt)
Answers and a scoring key for each test section
A breakdown of the content covered in each test section
General test-taking strategies
Ways to approach each section of the ACT

When to Visit Colleges

Visiting a college campus allows you to experience the campus atmosphere firsthand, interact with current students, and gain valuable insights into the college's academic programs and extracurricular offerings. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visits.

How to Schedule Your Campus Visits

Visiting a college campus is one of the most exciting steps in choosing a college. It’s best to visit colleges before your applications are due. That way, you can be confident you'd be happy at any college you're applying to.

It's also best to go when the college is in session. You'll see the campus when classes are meeting and day-to-day activities are in full swing.

How to Pick a Date

Here are some guidelines on when to visit. Plan your visit well ahead of time. That way you can make sure you see what you need to see and meet with the people who can tell you what you need to know.

During the Week

Mondays through Thursdays are ideal for visits because you can get a good idea of what campus life is like. Visiting on a Friday may not be as practical. Students, faculty, and staff might be busy with social activities starting Friday afternoon.

High school holidays that fall on Mondays are often perfect opportunities for making college visits. Many colleges are in session on these days─and you won't be missing any of your high school classes.

The Best Seasons

The spring of your junior year is a good time if you've already researched colleges. Spring break is also good if you play fall sports or are considering applying under early action or early decision plans, which usually have application deadlines in November of your senior year.

Early fall is also a good time for seniors to visit. That timing can help seniors narrow their college lists.

Step by Step: College Awareness and Planning

College Planning: 11th grade

PSAT-Sophomores and Juniors

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a standardized test that serves as a practice run for the SAT and can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship. It consists of a Reading and Writing section and a Math section, and the PSAT/NMSQT taken by 11th graders is the only version that counts for the scholarship program. The score ranges from 320 to 1,520, and students can prepare using resources like Khan Academy or College Board practice tests.

https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt

Horatio Alger Scholarships for Juniors

While most other scholarships focus exclusively on academic achievement or leadership potential, Horatio Alger Scholarships are also intended for promising students who have critical financial need, demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and are determined to succeed. https://horatioalger.org/scholarships/

UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS

For current high school juniors,
high school seniors, and college
students planning to pursue a
bachelor’s degree

Application Period:
December 1 – March 1

Learn More

CAREER & TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIPS

For current high school seniors and non-traditional students interested in pursuing an associate’s degree or certificate program

Application Period:
March 15 – June 15

Learn More

Girls and Boys State programs

Nevada Girls State

American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls State programs offer training in the processes of good citizenship as practiced in a democratic society. Each summer, approximately 20,000 enthusiastic young women participate in ALA Girls State sessions across the nation. At ALA Girls State, the "citizens" study City, County, and State government processes. They do this by setting up their own miniature City, County and State governments. Then, they administer them according to the laws of their particular State.

How do I become a Nevada Girls State participant?

In order to attend Nevada Girls State, a student must:

Identify as female
(if you know male students seeking a similar opportunity, please visit the Nevada Boys State website)
Currently be a Junior
(entering their Senior year after their attendance)
Have at least one (1) semester of high school remaining
Submit all required fees and forms
Be able to attend the entire session
(we don't allow students to arrive late or depart early)

That's it! Students who are eager to learn and participate, who are willing to trust in the process they'll go through during their week with our program, and who think they will gain something from the experience make the best participants. You're not required to be nominated or sponsored by your school or an American Legion Auxiliary Unit. There is also no GPA or other academic requirement.

https://nevadagirlsstate.net/students-and-parents/

Nevada Boys State

At Nevada Boys State, you'll step away from your everyday routine and dive into a week that's challenging, inspiring, and unforgettable. You'll build leadership skills, learn how government really works, and connect with students from across the state who are just as motivated as you are.

Yes, the environment might be different- a strong focus on government and public service-but it's also one of the most fun, impactful, and rewarding ways you can spend a week of your summer. You'll make lifelong friends, grow as a leader, and set yourself up for future opportunities.

Program Details

Dates: June 13-20, 2025
Location: University of Nevada, Reno
Travel: Charter bus transportation is provided from Southern Nevada
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis-apply early for the best chance of acceptance.
Cost: $75 supply fee. Need-based waivers/grants are available.

https://nevadaboysstate.org/home/