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College application deadlines have a tendency to come up fast. But the process of preparing for college typically begins much earlier than senior year.

Plenty of students prefer to get ready as early as their junior year of high school in an effort to strengthen their eventual college applications (and make the process more manageable).

For those interested in college, some years of high school carry more weight — especially, the junior year. Colleges often look more closely at grades and achievements from this year, since coursework tends to be more challenging and it’s the last full academic year they can view before students apply.

As a result, approaching junior year with a clear action plan may give you a leg up on admission into your dream college. Compiling a junior year of high school checklist can help you tackle this vital year with more drive, confidence, and focus.

Here’s an overview of why junior year of high school is so key and some strategies for staying focused while preparing to apply for college.

Why Junior Year Is Important

Junior year of high school can be especially impactful for strengthening your college application. Since it’s the last school year that universities can look at in full, many admissions committees pay particularly close attention to grades and extracurricular activities from junior year.

The third year of high school can feel overwhelming for a few reasons:

•   Class difficulty levels are often higher than earlier years.

•   Students can begin studying now for the SAT and ACT. (It’s possible to take these exams in the spring of junior year, affording juniors a chance to retake them during the fall of senior year.)

•   Upper-class students can take on numerous extracurriculars and a part-time job.

To help make junior year a lighter lift, it can help to enter into it with a checklist in hand. This can not only relieve stress but lead to more success when college acceptance letters are sent out the next year. What follows are some helpful things to keep in mind to make more out of this critical year.


💡 Quick Tip: You’ll make no payments on some private student loans for six months after graduation.

Getting Involved in Extracurriculars

To strengthen their college applications, many juniors opt to get more involved with organizations or activities they care deeply about. Being involved in extracurriculars doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Extracurriculars that might stand out on a college application include clubs, student council, volunteering, athletic endeavors, and more. There’s no one-size-fits-all way for students to be engaged in school or in their communities.

Many high schools host a variety of clubs that students can join. You might choose one or two you’re really passionate about. Participating in a club can serve as a break from hitting the books (all while still fleshing out your college application profile).

Volunteer work is another way to stand out when applying to college. During your junior year, you might seek out a volunteer opportunity with a nonprofit you feel strongly about. Or you might choose a field you hope to work in one day. For instance, if you’re interested in medicine, you might seek out volunteer opportunities in a local hospital.

Staying Focused

To stay organized and focused during your junior year, consider keeping a digital calendar or paper planner. With eight dates available to take the SAT, and ten different dates available to take the ACT, it can be easy for busy students to lose track of when to study for and schedule their standardized tests.

Once you select a test day, it’s a good idea to mark it down on your calendar or planner. You can then work backwards, planning out practice tests and study sessions during the build-up to the testing date.

The simple act of writing things down can make them easier to remember, so some researchers suggest jotting down key dates first in a physical planner before then adding them to a digital device or calendar.

Recommended: ACT vs. SAT: Which Do Colleges Prefer?

Making a Junior Year Checklist

In addition to writing down important dates, you might benefit from making a personalized junior year checklist. Some tasks you could include are:

•   Studying for major tests, like the SAT or ACT

•   Joining extracurricular clubs or organizations

•   Researching different colleges and universities

•   Getting familiar with the format of college applications

Once you draft your checklist, you can then make to-do lists under each subcategory. Use your calendar/planner in tandem with your checklist to stay on top of these goals and deadlines.

Designating a Study Space

Creating a dedicated space for studying can also improve your focus during a jam-packed school year. You might opt to designate a comfy space at home, where you can concentrate on your studies. To make the space both inviting and conducive to working, consider decking it out with school supplies, keeping it clutter-free, and decorating it with inspirational pictures or personal items (like a photo of your dream school).

Remembering to Reward Accomplishments

To keep up your motivation, it’s important to reward major accomplishments during this high-stakes year. Once you’ve scheduled and mapped out important dates and tasks, you might make another list of potential fun rewards for meeting each goal. Aced those finals? Binge on some light TV. Finished the SAT practice exam? Download that new game everyone’s been playing.

Keep in mind that an overly hectic junior year can lead to excess stress and possibly make it harder to accomplish big goals. Carving some time out for regular breaks can help you avoid burnout.

Getting a First Job

Junior year can also be a good time to get your first part-time job. If you can find a job that’s easy to get to and from (and doesn’t distract from academics), work experience can be one more experience to highlight on a college application down the road. Holding a part-time job at a young age demonstrates skills such as time-management and personal responsibility.

Your high school might also offer “work-like” opportunities to upperclassmen, such as working on the school yearbook, interning for credit, or volunteering on or off site.

Recommended: Am I Eligible for Work-Study?

Financing College

Earning admission is just one piece of the going-to-college puzzle. Once accepted, many high schoolers wrestle with how to pay for college.

Some funding options include savings, need-based grants, merit or affinity scholarships, federal student loans, and private student loans.

Some grants, such as Federal Pell Grants, are disbursed by the U.S. government to students with financial need. Grants, unlike loans, do not typically have to be repaid by the student. Scholarships, another source of “free money,” are frequently merit-based, meaning they’re often awarded based on a student’s academic, athletic, or community-based accomplishments. You can find information about scholarships through your high school guidance counselor, the financial aid office at your chosen college, and by using an online scholarship database.

Loans are another common way to help pay for college. There are both federal and private student loans. Federal student loans are issued by the U.S. Department of Education and come with various benefits, including low fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment, and deferment options. Private student loans are funded by banks, credit unions, and online lenders. These loans can have fixed or variable interest rates, and repayment terms vary depending on the lender. Approval for private loans is typically based on the borrower’s credit score and history; students typically need a cosigner.


💡 Quick Tip: Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find more competitive rates on no-fees-required private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

The Takeaway

Junior year isn’t just another grade — it’s a turning point that can play a vital role in shaping your college journey. With your grades, test scores, extracurricular, and leadership roles carrying extra weight this year, planning ahead can give you the chance to stand out when it’s time to apply to college.

Whether it’s prepping for standardized tests, leaning in on extracurricular activities, exploring career interests through volunteering, or researching your funding options, the steps you take this year can open big doors when application season arrives.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Why is the junior year of high school important?

Junior year is often considered a pivotal stage in high school because it’s the last full academic year colleges can evaluate before applications are submitted. This is a time when students are expected to demonstrate academic growth and maturity, often by taking on more challenging coursework. It’s also when students take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Strong performance in junior year can give you access to more selective colleges, scholarships, and advanced senior year opportunities.

Does junior year matter in high school?

Yes, junior year matters significantly in high school. Colleges often see it as the most telling year of a student’s academic ability since it reflects performance in challenging upper-level courses. It’s also when extracurricular involvements, leadership roles, and community service can become more meaningful on applications. Since college admissions officers often review transcripts through junior year, strong grades and achievements during this time can make a major difference in future opportunities.

Why is 11th grade the most important year?

Eleventh grade is often considered the most important year because it’s the final full year of grades colleges will see before applications are submitted. Students are typically enrolled in their most challenging courses, giving them a chance to show academic growth. Standardized tests scores, advanced coursework, and extracurricular commitments during this year can help open doors during application season.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q325-086

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the tech industry, coding bootcamps can be a quicker, more affordable alternative to getting a traditional degree. However, these courses still require a significant amount of time, energy, and money.

Are coding bootcamps worth it? They can be. You’ll want to keep in mind, however, that bootcamps vary in terms of quality, so finding a good one can take some research. In addition, the skills you learn from a bootcamp may not be enough to land the type of job or career you want.

Read on for key things you need to know about coding bootcamps. Including what they are, how they work, and how much you may be able to earn when you graduate.

What Is a Coding Bootcamp?

Coding bootcamps are short, intensive courses designed to provide in-depth training in software development fundamentals, and prepare students for entry-level jobs in the tech industry.

Many people consider bootcamps when pursuing a career change or looking for a shorter path into the tech industry, as they last about 12 weeks on average.

Bootcamps are conducted in both traditional classrooms and online, and are designed to accommodate students with little-to-no coding experience.

However, not all coding bootcamps are accredited schools. While some boot camps are affiliated with universities and, therefore, required to uphold the educational standards of the institution it is in partnership with, most coding bootcamps remain privately owned with educational standards that may not necessarily be governed by any scholarly entity.

Therefore, coding bootcamps, no matter how appealing, may not all produce the same quality of education or warrant any recognition outside of the tech industry.

Recommended: How to Pay for Coding Bootcamps

How Much Do Coding Bootcamps Cost?

The cost of coding bootcamp can vary widely, and will depend on the school, the length of the program, whether classes are in-person or online, and whether you study full or part time. However, on average, tuition for coding bootcamps can run around $12,000 to 14,000.

While that’s not nothing, it’s a lot less than the cost of a traditional undergraduate degree. According to College Data, the average annual tuition at a public university is $11,260 for in-state students and $29,150 for out-of-state students. The average annual tuition for a private institution is $41,540. If you pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree program, tuition can therefore be much more than a coding bootcamp.

Like colleges and universities, many coding bootcamps now offer a range of funding options, so you don’t necessarily have to pay the full cost up front and out of pocket. These may include:

•  Scholarships: Some bootcamps offer scholarships for women, minorities, vets and even those experiencing hardships. You can often find out about scholarship opportunities by going to the tuition section of the bootcamp’s website.
•  Loans: External loans, including private student loans, are a common way to cover the cost of bootcamp.
•  Deferred Tuition: This allows students to enter and complete a coding bootcamp without upfront payment. You are required to pay back your tuition costs only after securing a job.
•  Income-Share Agreement (ISA): This is a wage-garnishment agreement between a bootcamp and a graduate. It generally specifies that once a graduate accepts a job, a portion of their income will be paid to the bootcamp for a specified length of time.

Is There a Stigma About Coding Bootcamps?

While coding bootcamps were once similar to Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) — virtual, often free or low-cost, classes notorious for their low completion rates — many of these programs are now highly respected by employers.

Unlike MOOCs, which are structured to teach hundreds of students at a time, utilizing a primarily hands-off teaching model, coding bootcamps typically rely heavily on instructor direction. Indeed, there may be more than one instructor assigned to each class, which is often no larger than,say, 20 students.

Many programs are also highly intensive, requiring as much as 40 hours of weekly instruction. In addition, these programs tend to rely on project-based teaching methods that require students to immediately put their learnings into action.

However, there is no standardization for bootcamps, so all programs are not created equal. As a result, finding the right bootcamp can take a fair amount of time and effort.

If you are currently employed, it can be a good idea to talk to your supervisor or HR department about any bootcamps you are considering to get a sense of how the company views the program, and how completing the course could impact your career with the company. It’s also worth investigating if your employer offers a tuition reimbursement program that could help you cover the cost of bootcamp.

Recommended: Student’s Guide to Certificate Programs

What Can I Expect From a Coding Bootcamp?

Completing any coding bootcamp should ultimately result in fluency in at least one coding language, such as JavaScript, Python, C++, C#, or Java. In addition, you will likely graduate with a portfolio of projects you completed during the course.

And because the goal of a bootcamp is to churn graduates directly into the tech industry, these programs often help graduates find, apply, and interview for industry positions.

Bootcamps generally don’t go much further than that, however. While starting salaries for coding bootcamp graduates average $70,000 a year, these programs may not provide all the education you need to succeed in a tech career.

Also, in some cases, coding skills aren’t enough on their own to land a job. Some employers, for example, may be looking for a broader set of skills in computer science or specialization in a certain field. Others may place high value on interpersonal or soft skills that allow you to work effectively in a team and communicate with coworkers.

As a result, even after completing coding bootcamp, you may find it necessary to go back and complete your college degree at a later date.

The Takeaway

Whether or not coding bootcamp is worth it depends on your career goals and the quality of the coding camp. On the plus side, coding bootcamp can train you up quickly, and they generally cost a fraction of the cost of a typical college degree. However, if you are interested in a management career or moving beyond coding, you will likely need a traditional college degree.

FAQ

Is it realistic to get a job after coding bootcamp?

Whether or not you’ll get a job right away once you’ve completed a coding bootcamp depends on several factors, such as which course you took and how in-demand the skills taught are in your area. In many cases, the coding skills can lead to a job after the bootcamp.

Is 40 too old for coding bootcamp?

No age is too old for coding bootcamp. Most people will have plenty of prior exposure to how websites and apps work, regardless of age, which can be a positive. Having an eagerness to learn and a willingness to dive in and do the work is usually most important.

How to pick a coding bootcamp?

To select a coding bootcamp, define your career goals and interests. Consider what type of course (online, in-person, a mix) will work best for you, and then zoom in on the bootcamp’s job placement rates, reviews, and career services to make sure they have a solid record. Finally, consider the cost and how you’ll pay for it.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

If you’re facing a financial squeeze, you may be able to get a temporary break on repaying a student loan with student loan forbearance. The catch is you could end up owing more. That’s because interest accrues on nearly all federal student loans in forbearance and on all private student loans, if the private lender offers such a program.

Even though a payment reprieve through forbearance can bring short-term relief, it might be worth exploring alternatives, especially since the amount of time you can put your loans in forbearance will be shortened for loans issued after July 1, 2027 due to recent legislation.

Read on to learn how student loan forbearance works — and other options you may want to consider.

What Does Student Loan Forbearance Mean?

What is forbearance? It’s an approved period during which a borrower is allowed to temporarily suspend loan payments.

There are two main types of federal student loan forbearance: general and mandatory.

General Forbearance

With general forbearance, sometimes called discretionary forbearance, your loan servicer will decide whether or not to grant your request for forbearance if you are unable to afford your loan payments.

General forbearance is currently available for Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans, and Perkins Loans for up to 12 months at a time. Borrowers still experiencing hardship when the forbearance period expires can reapply and request another general forbearance.

If you borrow a loan after July 1, 2027, however, you can only use forbearance for up to nine months during any 24-month period.

Mandatory Forbearance

Your loan servicer is required to grant you forbearance if you meet certain criteria including:

•   You are serving in a medical or dental internship or residency program, and you meet certain requirements.

•   The total amount you owe each month for all federal student loans is 20% or more of your total monthly gross income, for up to three years.

•   You are serving in an AmeriCorps position for which you received a national service award.

•   You are performing a teaching service that would qualify you for teacher loan forgiveness.

•   You qualify for partial repayment of your loans under the Department of Defense Student Loan Repayment Program.

•   You are a member of the National Guard and have been activated by a governor, but you are not eligible for a military deferment.

Direct and FFEL loans qualify for mandatory forbearance for any of the above reasons. Perkins Loans also qualify if a borrower has a heavy student loan debt burden.

Mandatory forbearance is to be granted for no more than 12 months at a time, but it can be extended if you continue to meet eligibility requirements.

As mentioned, forbearance will be capped at nine months in any two-year period for loans issued after July 1, 2027.


💡 Quick Tip: Get flexible terms and competitive rates when you refinance your student loan with SoFi. Note that refinancing federal loans means losing access to federal programs. Also, you might pay more interest if you refinance with an extended term.

Private Student Loan Forbearance

What is forbearance for private student loans? Some private lenders offer this option.

If you’re having trouble making private student loans payments, contact your loan holder immediately. They might offer you interest-only payments, interest-free payments, or a change in interest rate. It’s important to get in touch with your loan provider before you miss a payment and risk your loan going into default.

Who Should Use Student Loan Forbearance?

Forbearance on federal student loans may be a good choice if you don’t qualify for deferment or an income-driven repayment plan, and your hardship is temporary.

What is student loan deferment? While both student loan deferment and forbearance offer the opportunity to press pause on your student loan payments, there’s a key difference: During deferment, you may not have to pay the interest that accrues on Direct Subsidized Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and the subsidized portion of Direct Consolidation Loans or FFEL Consolidation Loans. For loans issued after July 1, 2027, deferment for economic hardship and unemployment will no longer be available.

With private student loans, borrowers anticipating trouble making payments would be wise to contact their loan servicer to seek a solution. Whether the lender calls it deferment or forbearance, interest typically accrues and it is the borrower’s responsibility.

Is Student Loan Forbearance Bad?

As a stopgap measure, no.

Student loan forbearance certainly beats having late payments or a loan default on your credit reports. Most federal student loans enter default when payments are 270 days past due, but federal Perkins Loans and private student loans can go into default after just one missed payment.

If you default on a student loan, the entire balance of a federal student loan (principal and interest) becomes immediately due.

If your federal student loan is in collections, and you do not enter into a repayment agreement or you renege on the agreement, the collection agency can garnish your wages — up to 15% of your disposable pay.

As if that weren’t enough of a deterrent, borrowers in default can expect to have part or all of their tax refund taken and applied automatically to federal student loan debt.

Private student loans typically go into default after 90 days. The lender may hire a collection agency or file a lawsuit. Any collection fees are stated in the loan agreement.

Recommended: Private Student Loans Guide

Pros and Cons of Student Loan Forbearance

Postponing your student loan payments has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

•   Forbearance can help you avoid the negative financial impact of going into default, including the risk of having your wages garnished.

•   It does not affect your credit scores because the missed payments are not reported on your credit reports.

•   It can give you a chance to catch your breath when money is tight.

Cons

•   Interest will accrue during forbearance, which means you’ll likely have a larger loan balance waiting for you when you resume repayment.

•   If you’re pursuing federal student loan forgiveness, any period of forbearance probably will not count toward your forgiveness requirements.

•   It’s a short-term solution, typically 12 months, though you can renew if you’re still struggling to pay your loans.

•   For loans issued after July 1, 2027, forbearance will be capped at nine months in any 24-month period.

Alternatives to Forbearance

Income-Driven Repayment

If you’re having trouble making student loan payments because of circumstances that may continue for an extended period, or if you’re unsure when you’ll be able to afford to resume payments, one option is an income-driven repayment plan.

Monthly payments are determined by your income and family size. After 20 or 25 years of regular, on-time payments on the Income-Based Repayment plan, any remaining loan balance may be forgiven.

Starting in the summer of 2026, borrowers will have a new option, called the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). On this plan, your payments are based on your adjusted gross income (AGI). RAP will forgive any remaining balance after 30 years of payments.

Student Loan Refinancing

Refinancing student loans with a private lender is another option to consider. You take out one new loan, hopefully with a lower interest rate, to pay off one or more old loans.

One of the other advantages of refinancing student loans is that you may also be able to change the length of the loan. However, you may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term.

Borrowers eligible for student loan refinancing typically have a solid financial history, including a good credit score. It’s important to note that if you refinance federal student loans with a private lender, you give up federal benefits like income-driven repayment, loan forgiveness, and federal forbearance.

Recommended: Student Loan Refinancing Calculator

The Takeaway

What is student loan forbearance? Student loan forbearance is an option to temporarily suspend loan payments when you’re struggling to make them. But in almost all cases, interest will accrue and be added to the loan. Student loan deferment, income-driven repayment, or refinancing could make more sense for you.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

FAQ

How does student loan forbearance work?

Student loan forbearance is a temporary suspension of loan payments due to financial hardship. It allows borrowers to pause payments for a specified period, currently up to 12 months. For loans issued after July 1, 2027, forbearance will be capped at 9 months in any two-year period.

How does interest accrue during forbearance?

Interest accrues on nearly all federal student loans and all private student loans during forbearance, potentially increasing the loan balance when payments resume.

What are the alternatives to student loan forbearance?

Alternatives include income-driven repayment, which bases monthly payments on income and family size, and student loan refinancing, which may offer lower interest rates but requires giving up federal benefits.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.