It’s time for a February energy check. We know all too well that this month can be a tough one for high school students: you’re facing down winter’s grey, packed school weeks with barely any holidays, and extracurricular deadlines quietly approaching. So how do you handle everything without freezing up or freezing over?
Here’s the secret: February rewards students who move decisively. And for juniors preparing for their college application season, each week matters. Focus on the key tasks in this guide and you’ll finish the second month strong with less stress and better options.
Why February matters for the Class of 2027
February hits a rare sweet spot for students approaching their senior year. (And no, we’re not talking about all the heart-shaped candy.) In February, you still have time to plan before crunch time hits, yet spring deadlines sit close enough to keep you on track.
Here’s why high school students and families should care right now:
- Testing choices you make now shape your spring schedule and your fall options.
- Teacher recommendations start with what teachers see today, not what you promise later.
- College research done now turns spring break into real progress instead of last-minute guessing.
- Summer plans often require early applications, even when summer feels far away.
Still not feeling motivated? Second-semester junior grades are the last full academic record colleges see before you apply. This is not the time for a dip in rigor or effort.
In this article, we’ll review each of these important milestones and an action plan for how to handle them. If you’re looking for a handy junior-year college checklist that ties directly into senior fall, we’ve got you covered.
Task 1: the testing lane
Your first mission, should you choose to accept it, is to pick your testing path (ACT vs. SAT) and act on it. If you’re taking any tests, you’ll need to register for scheduled exam sittings before seats fill.
And, if you’re taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams in May, remember to build those into your spring testing plan. Overloading with SAT, ACT, and AP prep at the same time can backfire.
Decide your test plan in one sitting.
First, choose a lane: SAT, ACT, or a test-optional plan tied to your target colleges. Try to keep this simple.
- Step 1: Take one timed practice SAT and one timed practice ACT.
- Step 2: Compare how you felt and how you scored.
- Step 3: Check policies for schools on your early list. Look for “required,” “recommended,” or “test-optional” language on official admissions pages.
Parent move: agree on a testing ceiling. [For example: “One spring test plus one retest if needed.”] More test dates do not automatically mean better scores. A clear plan keeps the spring from turning into nonstop, scattered prep.
Register for spring dates as necessary.
There are two main spring SAT dates coming up.
- March 14, 2026 test date, with registration deadline February 27, 2026 (and late registration through March 3, 2026).
- May 2, 2026 test date, with registration deadline April 17, 2026.
There’s one major spring ACT date to be aware of.
- April 11, 2026 test date, with registration deadline March 6, 2026 (and late registration through March 24, 2026).
Your moves:
- Create or confirm student accounts (College Board or ACT).
- Choose a test date and location.
- Put the deadlines on your shared family calendar.
Build a realistic prep routine for February.
It’s important to be realistic about what you can commit to during a busy school week.
- Two to four sessions per week, short and consistent.
- Use practice tests to find weak areas, then drill those topics.
- Consider planning for a retest option now, so one bad day does not derail the spring. A built-in backup date reduces pressure, which helps performance.
Task 2: the recommender shortlist
Your next priority is to choose recommenders while your best work is fresh. Don’t wait until senior fall. A great recommendation starts with what your teachers notice in junior year.
Identify two teacher recommenders.
Don’t just choose a teacher because you earned an “A” in their class. Choose a teacher who knows how you think and can describe your growth with specific examples. Look for teachers who fit these criteria:
- Taught you in a core subject related to your direction.
- Saw your growth, effort, and contributions.
- Can write strong, specific notes about students, not just generic praise.
Start earning the letter in February.
This is where students can win big or lose their edge.
- Show up prepared, ask thoughtful questions about the class content, and seek feedback on real work. For instance, “What would move this from good to strong?”
- Share one short update: what you are learning, what you are aiming for next.
- Start drafting a simple brag sheet for later: projects, grades trend, leadership, impact.
Timing guidance:
NACAC encourages juniors to list adults who could write letters of recommendation as part of junior-year planning. Aim to shortlist your choices now, then ask before junior year ends if your school’s process supports early requests. Teachers write stronger letters when your classwork stays fresh in their minds.
Task 3: spring break blueprint
Spring break trips sound fun! They also can drain your time and money quickly. So let’s turn spring break into real college-list progress. You’ll always get better results if you research first, then visit with a plan.
Research first, then visit.
- Build a short list of schools worth visiting, based on academic fit and environment. Depending on the distance between them, you may only be able to visit one or two, so look for variety among your top schools.
- Run the Net Price Calculator to better understand which schools align with your budget. Visiting a school that is financially unrealistic can create unnecessary attachment (and waste your precious travel time).
- Use official visit pages and virtual tours as last filters before finalizing plans.
Book tours for March and April if possible.
Believe it or not, campus tours and info sessions fill up, especially during popular break weeks. So get ahead of the curve now:
- Check campus tour calendars now.
- Reserve tours and info sessions early.
- Build a parent-student plan: who asks questions, who takes notes, who tracks costs.
Use this visit checklist to make the day useful:
Pull a short set of questions to bring along, focused on academics and campus life. Empowerly has some great resources to help you plan strategically.
- https://empowerly.com/applications/college-admissions-events-college-visits/
- https://empowerly.com/applications/prepare-for-your-college-visit/
- https://empowerly.com/applications/final-college-campus-tours/
Bonus quest: summer plans with a purpose
Summer “plans” often turn into summer “scrambling” in a matter of weeks. February action help can help stop that from happening.
When you hit the drawing board, remember this: depth beats volume. One meaningful summer commitment with measurable outcomes is stronger than three scattered activities you’re only lukewarm about.
Why February is the moment:
Many competitive programs and internships set deadlines months before summer starts. If you haven’t settled your summer activities yet, it’s time to act! Students who plan early land stronger options and produce clearer outcomes for applications.
Choose one primary summer path.
Try to pick one main direction to focus on during this time. If you think you want more, you can back it up with one smaller activity that won’t interfere with your primary commitment.
Quick examples with real application value:
- Paid job with responsibility and growth
- Internship or job shadowing tied to a field
- Research exposure through a local university, lab, or structured program
- Community impact project with measurable results
- Portfolio project for arts, writing, coding, design, entrepreneurship
Define proof of impact.
Before you apply to anything, define what you will produce by August:
- Project link or portfolio
- Presentation, poster, or demo
- Publication or competitive submission
- Supervisor note or evaluation
Measurable results (hours, people served, money raised, growth numbers) will strengthen your college profile.
Still not sure what summer program is right for you? Check out this video from Empowerly Counselor Connie to review 5 of the best summer programs for high school students.
Summary checklist
No time to read? Use this as a super-fast February college checklist to reference in the future:
- Register for spring SAT or ACT and add deadlines to a shared calendar.
- Set a February prep schedule and one practice test date.
- Choose two teacher recommenders and start a one-page brag sheet.
- Build a first-pass college list with cost and fit filters. Make sure at least one or two schools on your list are realistic academic matches, not just dream schools.
- Book at least one campus visit or virtual tour for March or April.
- Pick one summer direction and find three options with deadlines.
- Set up a simple folder system for testing, visits, activities, and summer applications to stay organized.
If you’re more of a visual learner, check out this video with tips for high school juniors:
Looking to stand out? Before you settle into the long wait for summer:
- Identify upcoming leadership elections or application deadlines in clubs and organizations. Junior spring leadership roles carry weight on applications.
Conclusion: a calm, confident February finish line
Now you know what to do. February rewards steady action, not perfect plans. So first things first: pick one move to start today. Then keep going, one small win at a time. Juniors who move decisively in February enter spring with control, not panic.
If you want an expert second set of eyes on your testing lane, recommender strategy, or early college list, Empowerly counselors can help. Our counselors have helped thousands of juniors like you build an application plan that fits real life and stays on track through senior year. Book a free consultation to learn more about the various services we offer. We’re here to help you find your true match!
