Junior Jump-Start Guide
Preparing for "Life after Central High School"
Get to know your CHS Counselor & make sure you are on track with your graduation plan
Counselors serve students with last names starting with...
- A - B & F: Lexi Zak
- C - D - E: Amanda Chambers
- G - H - I: Katy Kuykendall
- J - K & S - T - U: Amy Davenport
- L - M - N: Jennifer Young
- O - P - Q - R: Crystal Chapman
- V - W - X - Y - Z: Marcie Featherston
Work Hard and Dream Big
Monitor your Academic Progress, Rank & GPA
Home Access Center
You can access Grades, Rank, GPA, & (unofficial) Transcript in Home Access Center. Contact the Counseling Center if you have trouble accessing HAC.
Grades & GPA
Rank
Expand your involvement in...
Extra-Curricular Activities
Clubs & Organizations
Community Service
Prepare for college admission requirements
Benefits of Taking the PSAT
The PSAT test is recommended for all college-bound Juniors, because...
- …it is FREE. The cost of the test is covered by SAISD.
- ...it is valuable practice. This testing opportunity can help students become familiar with the testing format, and learn how to pace themselves on a college entrance exam.
- ...the results shows students how they compare to other college-bound students in Texas.
- ...the results provide excellent feedback on a student's strengths and weaknesses.
- ...the results offers tips on how to improve scores on a future SAT test.
- ...provides Juniors with an chance to qualify as a National Merit Scholar or Commended Scholar, resulting in improved college admission and scholarship opportunities.
CHS Juniors are scheduled to take this test (free of charge) in Mid-October of each year. Juniors enrolled in advanced academic classes Students are encouraged to prepare for this test at the PrepSTEP website. SAISD has paid the site license for our students to use this website free of charge. You can email your counselor or the CHS Librarian for the PrepSTEP password information.
Come to the Counseling Center if you need assistance...
VOE
Military Related Information
Your counselor has information about...
- ...Military enlistment & recruiter contact information
- ...Military Academies, Liaisons, & Congressman Pfluger's office.
- ...Military Education Benefits (e.g. Hazlewood Act, Mongomery GI Bill)
Exploring College & Career Options
Career Exploration
Your counselor can refer you to the career center, for assistance in identifying a career that matches your natural interests & abilities, as well as exploring a particular career field in depth.
Career Testing
Finding the right college for you
Junior year is a good time to...
Research your prospective college(s)
A College Search Engine can be useful in identifying the colleges/universities that meet your preferences (degree programs, location, size, sports programs, etc.)
Once you have identified several options, it is recommended that you visit each College's website. These websites offer a wealth of information about the college's admissions requirements, programs of study, extra curricular activities, summer programs for high school students, etc. Students should utilize these websites to thoroughly investigate their prospective colleges, in order to narrow down their top choices.
Most college websites also exhibit promotional videos on Youtube or at the college's website. Here are a few examples of these types of videos: A&M, Angelo State, Baylor, Howard College, Tarleton State, Texas State, Texas Tech, The University of Texas, UTSA, etc.
Finally, you can attend college fairs, including virtual fairs such as CollegeWeekLive or in-person-fairs, such as Concho Valley College Night (usually held in early October).
Plan a College Visit
Automatic Admissions
Top 10% students are guaranteed admissions to any public college in Texas. You must be on the Foundations with Endorsemt. (Distinguished Level of Achievement) plan & complete all admissions requirements by the college's deadline in order to qualify.
Exceptions to Automatic Admissions
The University of Texas at Austin automatic admissions standards vary from the Top 6-8%. See UT's current standard at their website. Private & Out-of-State Schools are also not held to this state law regarding automatic admissions.
If you are not admitted
Many colleges offer an alternative admissions program that can ensure acceptance by your Sophomore year of college. Examples...
Register for College Entrance Exams
Take the SAT & ACT
Four year universities require students to submit college entrance exam scores. CHS recommends that college-bound students take the SAT and/or ACT by the Spring of 11th grade, or at the completion of Algebra 2 (whichever comes first). By doing so, you will have time to re-test, if necessary. You can register online for the SAT or ACT. Be sure to send your scores to your prospective college(s).
More information about SAT/ACT dates, fees, & registration is available at Counseling Center's page of the CHS website.
Develop a personal Resume
Your Resume should document your...
Awards & Achievements
Involvement in...
- Extra-Curricular Activities
- Community Service
Leadership positions
Educational & Career Goals
Adjectives that describe you
Job and Internship Experiences
Becoming eligible to play collegiate sports
NCAA Registration
CHS will send your transcript
Send your SAT/ACT scores to NCAA
Pre-Register for your Senior Courses
- ...take challenging courses that will prepare you for the rigor of college. CHS offers a variety of Pre-AP, AP, and dual credit courses. Get advice from your parents, teachers, and counselor if you are not sure which type of course is right for you.
- ...be realistic with regard to your overall work load and consider the time commitments of your extra-curricular activities.
- ...select electives that will prepare you for your chosen career field.
- ...consider talking additional elective courses instead of maximizing your home passes. High School is the last time that you can take classes for free, so take advantage of the opportunity.