Junior year is said to be the worst time of high school. Your year will consist of juggling academics, sports, extracurriculars, standardized testing, social life, and sleep. Oftentimes it can be difficult to find time for anything. It is a weird time to be a student because you never know what’s coming next. To aid that stress, here is a compilation of notes to remember, tasks to complete, and events to anticipate:
Key:
Ongoing Advice (for the whole year):
- Establish good relationships with your teachers and counselor - this can help when asking for letter of recommendations
- Continue/join clubs that align with your academic interests
- Try for a leadership role if possible. However, positions and titles are not necessarily the only way to gain exposure to leadership.
Calendar:
September
- Can qualify you for National Merit Scholarship
- Make friends in your classes - class becomes more enjoyable when you are well acquainted with your peers
- Surround yourself with people that have good work ethic - learn from them, study, and share notes
- Emphasize that you are paying attention in class to your teacher for the first weeks - get on their good side!
- Practice acts of service in person or remotely (Ongoing from Sep)
- Volunteer within your community:
- Animals shelters
- Soup kitchen
- Tutor
- Hospital
October
- Consider taking up a part-time job if you don’t have one already
November
- Use your PSAT score to determine how much you need to study for the SAT (Ongoing from Nov)
- If you don’t think the SAT is for you, consider doing some research on the ACT
December
January
February
- Plan Senior yr. classes with counselor
March
- Check programs that suit your interest
- Request information from colleges of interest
- Sign up for college tours
- If colleges are far, look into virtual tours
- Apply to summer programs (if interested)
- Study for AP Exams (if you have many) (Ongoing from Mar)
April
May
- Ask teachers for letters of recommendation - pick those that know you on a personal level and can emphasize your intellect in the classroom
- Ask others for letters of recommendation - provides a unique perspective of you outside of the school setting
June + Summer
- Start brainstorming personal statement
- Create a college list
- Early Decision
- Early Action
- Regular Decision
- Financial aid
- Show demonstrated interest to those that consider it
Final Words:
To be very honest, Junior year will be hectic. Learn to embrace the chaos and stay grounded. You are one of many many Juniors that are going through the same waves of confusion. While your academics are important, living your life is crucial to staying healthy and sane. So, I’ll leave a few more personal tips:
- Utilize Sundays as a reset to your week:
- Plan out your weekly tasks and obligations
- Clean your room and workspace
- Clean out emails
- Create a self care routine
- Find ways to have a good start to the week:
- Buying your favorite drinks, snacks, etc.
- Making a good playlist
- Find ways to look forward to the end of the week:
- Hang out with friends
- Go to concerts
- Stay in bed all day
- Routinely clear your mind in easy, simple ways:
- 10m walk
- 5m drink water
- 2m doodling
Good luck!
