Advice for High School Juniors

A couple of days ago, I got a letter from my college counselor congratulating me that I am a senior along with some college application information. It didn't really hit me until I received this letter that I am actually going into my senior year.  It's weird to think that I have made it through 3/4 of high school, and that in less than a year I will know where I am going to college. As I head into the stressful and apprehensive college application process, I am here to tell you that you will get through junior year. Junior year has always had an intimidating reputation, and there is so much you have to do (college visits, standardized tests, homework, service, etc.). Overall, it is a big year of growth both academically and personally.

~ Be Proactive ~

The workload does increase junior year. It is important to not procrastinate on your homework because it will eventually catch up to you, and it will increase your stress level. I can tell you from my personal experience, that when you have extra time, getting ahead on any sort of homework can make a huge difference in your life. It gives you free time during the night to relax, catch up on sleep, and it can help avoid and alleviate stress. 

 ~ Take the SAT and the ACT ~

Depending on where you want to go to college, having a good standardized test score is very important. There are a ton of schools that require either the SAT or the ACT. Even though the SAT and the ACT seem similar, they are pretty different. Therefore, early on in the school year it is essential that you try out which test you like best, and you stick with it. I wish I knew to take the tests early during the school year because as I ended my junior year, I felt I didn't have enough time to prep and get the score I wanted. Unfortunately, I will be taking the ACT two more times in September and October in hopes of improving my super score. I personally believe that as much as you don't want to prepare for these tests, it is important that you at least do 20 minutes of work a night.

~ Take Electives ~

As awesome as it is to have a few free periods during the day, elective classes can expand your critical thinking and communication skills. In addition, depending on your school, taking elective classes can help increase your GPA. At the end of junior year, having good grades in all of your classes especially the electives will enable you to have the solid GPA that will be used in the future for your college application process.

~ Make a Plan & Stay Organized ~

Organization is key to success. I use an agenda to write all of my homework assignments, tests, and sporting events down. My agenda truly keeps my life together in an organized fashion. Besides that, each day I make a to-do list of what I specifically need to accomplish. I believe that by setting goals and making a plan for yourself will help motivate you to achieve your dreams, and guide you through a successful and stress free junior year.

As cliché as this sounds, looking back, I had a lot of fun my junior year.  I made so many memories with my classmates, and I can't wait to go on my final journey with them into senior year. Even though you may be dreading junior year and everything that comes with it, I promise, you will get through it by following this advice! 

 xoxo,