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Ballard High School / Student Life / Student Check Lists By Grade 9, 10, 11 & 12 / Grade 11 Junior

Grade 11 Junior

Welcome BHS Juniors!

Class Spirit Color is Red!

Announcements

Juniors: College or career training is only a year away. Start planning today!

Junior year is almost over. Take a few simple steps this summer to get ready for senior year.

#1: Start planning for your future

  • Look into college and career training paths. Now is the time to think about education beyond high school. Consider career training, two-year or four-year colleges, or military service. You have college and career options! 
  • Know where you can use financial aid. Choose from about 60 participating institutions in Washington. Financial aid can help you pursue a certificate, degree, or even approved apprenticeships!

#2: Work ahead on financial aid

#3: Finish high school strong!

  • Consider dual credit opportunities. Dual credit programs let you get high school and college credit at the same time, saving you time and money. Programs vary by high school, so check with your counselor to learn what options are available to you.
  • Stay on track for graduation. Make sure you are keeping up with your class’s graduation requirements. Talk to your counselor to make sure you know what’s required and how you’re doing.

Career and College Planning Checklist

Fall (September – November)

September

  • Review your course schedule–take the most challenging and appropriate classes for your abilities.
  • Stay involved in extracurricular activities—balance fun with academics.
  • Continue developing your college list with the name of schools you might apply.

Use the following websites to help in your Career and College search:

Big Future > College Board
Career Bridge WA

October

November

  • Keep your grades up–use any resources available to help you get the most out of your classes.
  • Register and Pay for any AP Exam(s) by due date. (AP Exams will be in May)
  • Continue gathering information about potential colleges you might apply to senior year.

Winter (December – March)

December

  • Incorporate studying for the ACT or SAT in your daily work.
  • Check grades and seek help for academic areas you may be struggling with now.

January

  • Plan your classes for Senior year—check in with your counselor.
  • Review your PSAT/NMSQT results and determine if you might benefit from SAT prep.
  • Keep studying for the ACT or SAT.

February

  • Make the end of the 1st semester a good one—keep studying/working!
  • Plan your ACT or SAT test taking schedule for this Spring and the Fall of senior year.
  • Start researching summer opportunities including internships, jobs, volunteer work, summer programs, etc.

March

  • Register for any ACT, SAT or SAT Subject tests for this Spring and the Fall of senior year, if you have not already.
  • Attend any Spring College Fairs

Spring (April – June)

April

  • Check grades and keep working hard.
  • Visit colleges during Spring Break or continue researching them online during your time off.
  • Start a writing folder making your initial responses to essay prompts for college applications. Use the prompts from the Common Application, University of Washington or other colleges, if available on their websites.

May

  • Prepare a resume, use the Activities Log worksheet to help
  • Possible ACT, SAT or SAT Subject Tests to take
  • Take the AP Exams (if applicable)

June

  • Finish out your classes on a positive note.
  • Take any ACT, SAT or SAT Subject Tests you may have scheduled.
  • Contact two teachers who know you well and ask if they would write a recommendation letter—make sure to give them a copy of your resume.

New! Sept. 2026 SPS transitions to SchooLinks, a new HSBP platform 

Beginning in September 2026, our district will transition from Naviance to SchooLinks, the state-selected HSBP platform for Washington schools. This shift ensures alignment with state requirements while providing improved tools for students to explore their interests, plan for life after high school, and track progress toward their goals. SchooLinks also expands access for families, creating new opportunities to engage in their student’s planning process. More information, including access details and training resources, will be shared ahead of the launch. Visit the district SchooLinks page for more updates. 

Resources

Resources are posted as they become available.

Service Learning Information

The Service Learning graduation requirement is currently 60-hours. For more information and current service learning opportunities please visit BHS Service Learning.

Can’t Find What You Are Looking For?

Email me with tips on information you would like located here or better ways to support your searches on the Ballard HS website. Diane Taylor, BHS Website Editor at dmtaylor@seattleschools.org Thank you!

As of June 1, 2026