Junior year is when college admissions begins to feel real.
To help families focus on what truly matters, we gathered guidance from nationally recognized admissions experts on everything from building a balanced college list and understanding transcripts to managing stress and navigating the real cost of college. Use this as your clear, credible roadmap for what your high school junior should be doing right now.
Editor’s Note: Grown and Flown has worked with experienced, credentialed national college admissions experts who have spent decades in this field. Based on their guidance and expertise, these are ten YouTube videos that provide an essential starting point for parents and students who are beginning the college search process.
The Essential Junior Year College Admissions Playlist
1. The College Admissions Timeline for Juniors
Stephanie Meade, Principal and Founder of the Collegiate Edge
2. How to Build a Balanced College List
Stephanie Meade, Principal and Founder of the Collegiate Edge
3. 5 Things Admissions Officers Are REALLY Looking For
Jeff Selingo, Bestselling Author & Journalist
4. Reduce the Stress For Your Family
Allison Slater Tate, College Consultant & Counselor, Writer, Editor
5. The REAL Cost of College: How Much Can You Afford?
Lee Coffin, Dartmouth’s Vice President and Dean of Admissions
6. Testing-Does it Really Matter in 2026 and Beyond?
Matty Steiner, Senior Director at Compass Test Prep
7. Seven Ways to Get the Most from Your Campus Visits
Bob Carlton, Director at ESM Prep College Matchpoint
High School Transcripts: What Admissions Officers Really Look For
Karen Kristof, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Admissions at Colorado College
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More Great Reading by Our Admissions Experts
Admissions Counselor: This Matters More Than Anything – Allison Slater Tate
22 Ways Students Can Show Demonstrated Interest – Stephanie Meade
Dartmouth Dean of Admissions: It’s Not About the College It’s About You – Lee Coffin
