WOODSIDE, New York, U.S.A. – Advice for freshmen is great, but what about help for juniors?
Junior year is supposed to be the most important and most stressful, so it’s only fitting that it deserves the most attention.
So I’ve come to your rescue! As a senior, I’m everlastingly grateful I had support from wise and experienced folks to help me cope and succeed in my junior year.
Activities overload can be a real problem, but some colleges prefer lopsided students over well-rounded ones. They look for a serious commitment to just one or two interests because students with that kind of focused passion can add a lot to their school.
That is great news for you! Just stick with the clubs or teams you stuck with for the past few years. If you haven’t, it’s not too late! Simply go for the extra mile.
Standardized test stress is another part of junior year, but it doesn’t have to kill you. Both the SAT and ACT are important, but not nearly as crucial as you may think.
A perfect score does not guarantee college admission. Get a good score and move on to extracurricular activities and competitions that show the admission officers who you are.
The college search is another weight on a junior’s shoulders, but don’t worry too much. Most college students end up loving their school, and the odds are, wherever you go, you’ll find great classes and meet amazing people. Whatever is meant to be, was meant to be.
So practice writing your college essays and gather some recommendations now to get a head start. Find a good place to study where you are free from distractions and investigate the possibility of taking a course at a local college.
But don’t work all the time. Enjoy the freaking year! Approach that guy you like. Dance your favorite tune in the hallways like nobody’s watching. Do crazy things with your friends to have fun.
When you’re long gone from high school, the memories are the only the thing you’ll have, so make them good ones.
Jacqueline Mejia is a Junior Reporter for Youth Journalism International.
