Junior year is the time to start planning intentionally for the summer that bridges into senior year.

In the fall, students begin exploring possible programs, internships, or service opportunities, keeping in mind how these experiences can both reflect their passions and stretch them in new ways.

By spring, it’s important to narrow down options and make commitments—whether applying for academic enrichment programs, securing a summer job, arranging research opportunities, or planning meaningful travel. Families should also think practically about timelines, application deadlines, and how summer choices may shape the college narrative.

Above all, students should look for opportunities that energize them, build confidence, and show authentic engagement—qualities that shine in the college process.

Standardized testing continues with the administration of the PSAT/NMSQT exam, the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship, in October. There isn’t a parallel test offered by ACT.

Juniors are encouraged to take their first official SAT or ACT in December, with additional testing in the spring of junior year and fall of senior year. BWL offers optional prep classes for juniors during the early winter and spring.

What a way to begin Junior year!

The Junior College Trip is the hallmark event of the 11th grade college experience. It’s a fun, eye-opening, and memorable start to the year that helps students see what’s possible and sparks excitement for the journey ahead. Juniors visit three different types of colleges—small, medium, and large—alongside their college counselors, learning what to look for on tours and starting to get a feel for what kind of campus might be the right fit. And beyond the campus visits, the trip is also about connection: spending time with classmates and counselors, sharing meals, and capping it off with the always-favorite evening at the arcade and bowling alley.

Junior Seminar introduces students to the nuts and bolts of the college process. Through hands-on workshops and guided discussions, juniors gain the tools and confidence to take their next steps with clarity and purpose.

Topics covered include:

• An introduction to MaiaLearning, our college application platform
• Opening a Common App account
• College research and building a balanced list
• Activity list development
• Brainstorming and drafting of personal statement

This course begins during the second semester of Junior year.

Juniors and their parents step into the shoes of an admissions committee, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at how real decisions are made during Inside the Decision Room: A College Case Studies Workshop. Together, they review mock student profiles, weighing strengths and weaknesses before deciding who gets admitted, waitlisted, or denied—and why.

Admissions officers from well-known colleges and universities guide the committees, sharing candid insight into what really shapes an application. The result is an eye-opening, highly interactive experience that demystifies the admissions process and sparks meaningful conversations at home.

Year after year, this workshop stands out as one of the most dynamic, memorable, and impactful moments in the BWL college counseling experience.

Hosted by the College Counseling Office, this event for families of students in 9th–11th grades explores the important role extracurricular involvement plays in a student’s high school journey and the college admissions process. Families will gain insight into how activities beyond the classroom help students explore interests, build skills, demonstrate commitment, and grow over time. The program will also highlight how thoughtful, meaningful engagement in extracurriculars supports college readiness and strengthens college applications, offering guidance on how students can make the most of their high school experience.

Juniors and families meet with their college counselor, and these meetings continue throughout the year. Together, they explore individual goals, review academic progress, and discuss strategies for building a balanced college list.

Counselors provide guidance on everything from standardized testing timelines to crafting standout activity lists and essays, ensuring that each student feels supported and confident. These one-on-one conversations are designed to meet students where they are, helping them take ownership of the process while reassuring families every step of the way.

BWL belongs to a 10-school consortium that hosts an annual college fair at the Chapin School. At the Metropolitan Independent School Consortium (MISC) College Fair, more than 150 college and university representatives gather to connect with students, offering an invaluable first glimpse into the schools they represent.

Juniors have the chance to ask questions directly, compare a wide range of schools in one place, and begin to refine their sense of what type of college environment feels right. It’s also an opportunity to practice making strong first impressions and to learn how admissions officers talk about their institutions. Many students leave the fair feeling more confident, excited, and inspired as they continue shaping their college lists.

BWL partners with College Money Method to enhance support for families navigating the financial aid process, presenting two interactive workshops for 11th grade families. As the rules around financial aid eligibility continue to shift significantly, our goal is to provide families with the most current and helpful information to plan for their child's future.

In addition to live workshops, families also have access to the BWL Resource Center, where recordings of each workshop will be available the day after the event. You’ll also find invaluable tools—calculators, worksheets, guides, and additional resources—to supplement the workshops