July Checklist for the Class of 2027

Jun 30

Junior year is a critical step in your high school journey, especially for student athletes with aspirations to compete at the collegiate level. Between growing responsibilities, the start of the recruiting timeline, and major college planning milestones, staying organized now will allow you to enjoy the year ahead without falling behind.

High school juniors can take meaningful steps in the NCAA recruiting process by prioritizing visibility, academic readiness, and targeted college exploration. This involves participating in camps, showcases, and tournaments where they can gain exposure in front of college coaches, as well as researching programs that align with both their athletic and academic aspirations. It’s also essential to stay on track with NCAA eligibility standards and begin connecting with college coaches through emails, phone calls, and social media outreach.

Here’s a July checklist of 10 things outside of the athletic realm to help rising juniors build momentum and stay ahead of the game:

1. Research Standardized Tests

Decide whether the ACT or SAT is the right fit for you and begin planning accordingly. Many colleges still accept both exams, and some students benefit from trying both to determine which plays better to their strengths. Once you've identified the better fit, focus your prep around that test for future retakes.

Now is a great time to sign up for a practice test, explore free online resources, or enroll in a test prep program. At POLARIS, we proudly recommend Revolution Prep, our trusted partner for personalized and effective test preparation. Their official partnership with the ACT and strong record of success make them an ideal resource as you enter the testing phase.

Through Rev Prep, our student athletes also have access to weekly practice tests for both the ACT and SAT. Let us know if you’d like to learn more about this opportunity!

2. Start Summer Test Prep

Intensive summer prep can make a major impact before school begins. By using the summer to focus on test prep, juniors can boost scores and reduce stress once classes resume in the fall.

Plan to take the ACT or SAT at least once this fall to leave room for retesting.
Aim to finalize test scores by winter, especially for students taking AP courses.
A summer prep push can create more flexibility for spring academic priorities like AP exams.

3. Review and Reflect on Upcoming Schedule

Colleges value rigor on a transcript, but only when it aligns with your strengths. Talk with your school counselor or college counselor about your long term goals as it relates to your interests and strengths. If your school offers a variety of advanced classes, choose subjects you already excel in or are passionate about. Don’t overload your schedule just for appearances. Balance is key. Now is a great time to make schedule changes that align with your interests and strengths while maintaining graduation and NCAA eligibility requirements.

4. Apply for Scholarships

I’m usually not a huge fan of online scholarship lists as they typically are so overwhelmed with applicants that it seems like more of a lottery system than anything else. Maybe that’s just my bah humbug opinion but summer going into junior year is an ideal time to start applying for scholarships if you’re interested in these sites. Fewer students apply this time of year, giving you a better shot. Aim to submit several scholarship applications per week. Look for awards specific to your academic interests, leadership, community service, or athletics. Scholarship lists for high school juniors can be a goldmine. Start now and stay consistent.

A resource that we recommend to students when it comes to scholarships is RaiseMe. What I’ve always appreciated about RaiseMe’s platform is that it allows students in as early as 9th grade to visualize the positive impact of their efforts in high school when it comes to scholarship opportunities at specific colleges and universities. RaiseMe partners with 300+ colleges and universities to offer micro-scholarships to high school students. These scholarships reward students for individual achievements such as strong academic performance, participation in extracurriculars, and engagement in community service. When you create your free profile, you then add schools of interest, and from there update your profile to list achievements. Each college you follow offers micro-scholarship amounts for specific achievements and you’re able to track your accumulation via your portfolio.

While it's a fun way to track your progress, if you end up applying and are accepted to a RaiseMe partner school, your earnings are included in your official financial aid package. In nearly all cases, students that I’ve advised through this process have exceeded their RaiseMe scholarship totals at their schools of interest so it’s been a lucrative process for them from start to finish.

5. Register for College Fairs

College fairs are one of the most efficient ways to explore multiple schools in a short amount of time. You can ask questions directly to admissions reps and often discover new schools you hadn’t considered. Most fairs happen in the fall, but registration opens early. Look for events in your area or consider attending virtual college fairs as well.

6. Engage With Colleges Now

Rising juniors can use the summer to make meaningful connections with colleges. Demonstrated interest matters.

Plan official campus visits and tours.
Attend local and virtual admissions events.
Reach out to admissions offices with thoughtful questions.
Get on mailing lists and request info from schools that interest you.

These steps help colleges recognize your name and interest when it's time to apply.

7. Build a Thoughtful College List

Summer is an ideal time to begin shaping your college list. Without school distractions, you can explore more intentionally and reduce stress in the fall.

Start with a balanced list of 10–15 schools: reach, match, and safety.
Research academic programs, campus size, culture, and location.
Take virtual or in-person tours, especially summer open houses.
Talk to current students or alumni via online forums or local connections.
Note admissions requirements, deadlines, and score ranges to stay organized.

If you need help building a smart, personalized college list, we’re here to guide you.

8. Develop a Strong Extracurricular Profile

Colleges look for students who bring more than just grades to campus. Use the summer to explore your interests and deepen your involvement outside of the classroom. We begin to really focus with our student athletes in regards to this element by connecting all of the dots as it relates to who they are as individuals and what they're most passionate about.

Volunteer with a nonprofit or lead your own service project.
Start a personal passion project like a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel.
Shadow a professional in a career you’re curious about.
Compete in academic or creative contests.
Enroll in an online course to build skills in areas that can spark further exploration.

9. Gain Relevant Experience

Working or interning over the summer can be incredibly valuable. It demonstrates maturity, builds confidence, and helps you manage time. These are all essential skills for student athletes. If you’re interested in pursuing NIL opportunities in college, this is a great opportunity to align your current interests with preparation, as these experiences can lead to more lucrative opportunities down the road.

Get a summer job that aligns with future goals and/or an interest or strength you have.
Consider an internship in a field of interest.
Build something meaningful, like a community project related to your interests and goals.

These experiences also create strong material for college essays and interviews down the road in addition to further networking as an aspiring young professional and student athlete.

10. Talk With Your Family About Paying for College

Open conversations about how college will be funded are important to have now. Do not wait for your senior year. This sets expectations and gives your family time to plan or save. Also keep in mind that financial aid forms like the FAFSA will use financial data from your junior year, so early planning is key to maximizing eligibility.

It’s important for parents and children to be on the same page in regards to understanding the financial aspect of the college decision. At the same time, don’t let “sticker price” deter you from further pursuing an institution of interest. We’ll dive deeper into this specifically.

Final Thought

Junior year sets the tone for the college admissions journey—athletically, academically, and personally. By investing time this summer to lay the groundwork, student athletes can enter the school year with clarity, confidence, and a competitive edge. Whether you're refining your college list, building relationships with coaches, or preparing for the ACT or SAT with support from Revolution Prep, every step you take now makes the process more manageable later. At POLARIS, we’re here to walk alongside you with expert guidance tailored to student athletes and their unique goals.

Let's make this summer count and set the stage for a successful junior year and beyond!

Jeff Hiser