The air is getting cooler, the leaves are turning colors, the breeze is picking up. Summer is ending and fall is here! But with the good-natured pumpkin lattes and cozy cardigans that come with fall, something not so favorable comes too, and that’s school. A lot of us might be nervous or apprehensive to start school again, especially if you’re a junior, but there are things to be excited about also! I know my junior year was a tough one for me and many others, so I am going to give some advice to all the upcoming juniors that I wish someone gave me.
#1: Come in With a Positive Attitude
School can be intimidating for everyone, but especially for juniors. What with tougher classes, APs, SATs, prom, and a whole bunch of other stuff you don’t want to do. The only way to not feel like it’s something you’re forced to do is if you come in with a positive attitude. Tougher classes mean you get to challenge your brain in new ways! AP classes are a bonding experience, and they also look really nice on college applications! Prom may seem unappealing and cheesy but it’s a once in a lifetime experience! There are so many upsides to junior year and the only way to take advantage of them is to come in with a positive attitude.
#2: Start Standardized Testing Early
We all know that the SATs can be a pain, but I really advise you all to start preparing and testing early. The sooner you do it, the sooner you can get it over with! Plus, starting early means you have more chances to take it again. Remember, you can take the SAT as many times as you want and many schools will let you SuperScore, meaning you can send in your best scores from each subject, even if they are from different testing days. The SAT is only offered so many times a year, so it is really beneficial if you start early. Also, try different kinds of standardized testing to see which test is most suitable for you. The majority of schools in the US will accept either the SAT or the ACT so make sure to try both! They may sound similar but the questions and scoring are different so make sure to do your research and find out which one is best for you.
#3: Attend School Dances
Junior year may be known for the infamous junior prom, so make sure you attend! Don’t be one of those people who misses out just because they think it’s a waste of time. You’re going to regret it when you’re older if you don’t attend, and you never know, maybe you’ll love it!
#4: Have an Idea of Which Colleges You Would Like to Attend
Start preparing your college list early. Trust me, you’ll be happy you did this early. And not only have an idea of which colleges you might want to go to, but you can also visit some if they are nearby to where you live! The school year is the best time to tour colleges since you can see the students walking around campus and get a feel of who goes there. So make sure you take advantage of the school year and tour a couple of colleges. Remember, you don’t have to figure everything out yet, though.
#5: Stay on Top of Your Schoolwork
Junior year is known to be tough, especially in terms of classes, so make sure you stay on top of your schoolwork. Don’t procrastinate things until the very end! You’re going to regret it when it’s 8 p.m. and you have to do a whole week’s worth of work in one night.
#6: Make the Most of it
Be social, show some school spirit, and have fun! Soon enough, the year will be over and you’ll be wondering how it flew by so fast. Don’t look back regretting you didn’t do something, but rather look back laughing that you actually did that! You only get one junior year of high school, so make the most of it!
