While many argue that junior year is the most difficult time in high school, in perspective, it should be the most successful for students.
Junior year is widely deemed to be the worst year because of the academic and social pressure, but compared to other years, it is a sweet spot.
After getting through the freshman and sophomore years, students are more familiar with the school’s clubs, teachers, and events. Being aware of what is going on makes the whole year much easier to navigate.
Along with this, it is the superior upperclassmen year. Being an upperclassman has many advantages, and junior year is the fun year to experience it all for the first time. The first chance to go to prom is always a blast, as is being able to get a parking spot. Senior year, meanwhile, is more melancholy, with its succession of all “lasts” – like last homecoming and last football game.
There are clear first stressors in junior year. It is the first year students are hit with the dreaded question: “What do you want to do in the future?” This is the main reason juniors complain about it being the most demanding year.
Planning the majority of your life as a teenager is definitely a daunting task, so it is not a bad idea to start as early as possible – not to add more stress to present lives, but to relieve it for the following years.
If students are planning on attending a higher education institution after graduation, throughout junior year they should be making mental notes of places they are interested in. To take it a step further, seek out colleges. Make an effort to do research, take a tour, or even contact an admissions officer.
Not only does this give students a better understanding of pursuing that route, but it gives an advantage when applying. With many students using Common Apps, colleges like knowing their applicants have a genuine interest in their specific place.
Another thing to keep in mind is extracurricular activities. If a student has not been involved before, it is not too late to start. Being committed to a club or sport for even a year is impressive, and this commitment can carry into senior year.
The last thing to keep in mind is to find teachers to write recommendation letters. Teachers are flooded with requests for letters at the beginning of senior year. Asking at the end of junior year, before summer starts, gives teachers more time to write and focus.
The best part about getting a head start is that there is no rush and very little work to be done. Being ahead means that doing the bare minimum is doing more than enough. These tasks do not need to be a main focus every day, but something to work on in free time.
Overall, junior year is the best time to take advantage of opportunities and should be stress-free with a good plan.
