author: Sabrina Espinoza
With the SAT/ACT tests, AP classes, and preparations for the college application process, junior year is often regarded as one of the most difficult years of high school. Because of this, the summer after sophomore year can be a bit nerve wracking, as students realize that they’ll be in eleventh grade in just a few months. The fact that junior year is also carefully looked at by admissions officers adds to the nervousness.
However, there’s no need to stress yourself out! As a current junior who was worrying during the summer, I’ve learned some tips from other people, as well as from my own experiences, that have helped me transition easier.
1. Start researching potential colleges and the college application process.
Personally, I really regret not properly learning about the college application process until the end of sophomore year. I thought it was simply about grades, tests, and classes. However, many colleges have multiple aspects to their application: not only are grades, tests, and classes required, but also personal essays and extracurriculars. These two aspects play an important role, and should not be dismissed as minor things!
It’s also helpful to learn about the different college applications (UC, Common App, etc.) and the deadlines/dates for certain colleges. This information can usually be found on a college’s website in the section for Freshman Applicants, Undergraduate Admission, etc.
Searching up videos by college students about their admissions process is another valuable method to learn about applying! In fact, even admissions officers themselves have made videos and written articles about how their college reviewed applications, so it’s worthwhile to search for those too.
In terms of thinking about what colleges you would want to apply to, you don’t need to be too stressed: many students start creating college lists near the end of their junior year and then narrow it down during the summer. Still, it helps to get a head-start creating a college list, so there’s less of a chance of you feeling rushed before senior year. You can always change it later!
2. Research and decide which APs you would want to take.
Using informative resources such as Collegeboard’s AP Students, Prepscholar, and Khan Academy, you can review the different topics and units of certain AP courses. This can help you prepare early for any AP classes you want to take, and get a preview of what the class will cover. Looking at the exam formats of AP classes on Collegeboard’s website is another valuable thing to do- it wouldn’t be the best to not know what to expect on exam day!
Having trouble deciding which AP classes you want to take? Collegeboard has a complete list of the AP courses they offer; it’s useful to start here first! While deciding, it’s helpful to think about what you’re interested in and what your strengths are. For example, if you’re interested in science, you could do AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or AP Physics. If you enjoy English, you could do AP Language or AP Literature. If you have a creative side, AP Art, AP Art History, or AP Music Theory are good choices.
Still, you don’t need to be incredibly interested in a subject to take the AP course related to it. Whether you like the subject or feel neutral about it, taking an AP class is a way to challenge yourself, prepare you for college, and earn college credit. Being interested in the AP class’ subject is just a useful benefit, since you’ll likely be more motivated and engaged!
3. Study or look over the SAT/ACT.
Junior year, for many students, means finally taking the SAT or ACT, usually in the spring. While definitely not the most significant factor, these standardized tests still play a part in your college application (if the colleges you’re applying to require the SAT/ACT, that is!). The score you receive can also benefit you with financial aid and scholarships.
While some test prep resources cost money (Prep books, UWorld, Princeton Review, 1600.io, etc.), there some valuable free ones as well (Khan Academy, Reddit SAT QAS, Collegeboard, ACT website). Even doing just a little bit of studying over the summer with these resources can help you see what will be on the tests, and what types of questions they have.
For example, you could try taking a sample ACT or SAT test with a timer each month during the summer. If you really want to prepare early, you can create a SAT/ACT study schedule for the summer, or study for a certain amount of time each week (ex. studying for the SAT/ACT for at least an hour a week).
If you’re planning to take the test in spring and feel like you’d burn out if you studied from summer to March/May, you don’t need to commit to a complete study schedule during summer break. You can take a more relaxed approach (studying for just a few minutes each week), or simply choose to take a practice test here and there. You could also just review the structure and timing of the tests to get a preview (SAT, ACT).
4. Gather the supplies you’ll need for the school year.
Making a list of you’ll need for junior year can aid you in avoiding rushed, last-minute school shopping and forgotten supplies.
Common items include pencils, pens, spirals/notebooks, rulers, calculators, markers, highlighters, binders, scissors, and backpacks. Things like planners and sticky notes can be very useful for organization and writing to-do lists. Extra objects like stickers and colored pencils are great if you like being creative with your supplies!
Overall, creating a list of supplies you need for junior year, and then buying them at a reasonable time, helps you feel more prepared and ready for school!
5. Read experiences and tips from seniors/juniors.
Watching videos and reading posts from seniors/juniors on places like Reddit and Instagram about what junior year was like for them can give you valuable insight.
Simply searching up “high school junior year” on Youtube results in lots of videos by different students who want to give advice! For articles/blogs, you can search up “high school junior year advice” on Google!
Taking quick notes on what you read and watch can be a good way to keep any advice you’ve learned handy and accessible. You can also save links or make a video playlist of any helpful videos.
6. Still, try not to stress too much, and do things you enjoy over the summer!
While it’s important to prepare and plan for your junior year, it’s also important to do relaxing and fun activities that you enjoy so that you don’t become too burnt out and stressed. After all, summer break is a period to enjoy being away from school and homework. Whether it’s binge-watching a show, taking a relaxing bath, or hanging out with friends/family, make time for activities that make you feel happy and content.
Junior year is often regarded as one of the most difficult and important years in high school, involving things like AP exams and the SAT/ACT. Although you can’t completely control how your junior year will go, doing a bit of preparation beforehand can be beneficial in helping you adjust better when the school year starts.
Once you begin your junior year, put in your best effort, but remember that it’s okay to receive a lower grade/score and to feel overwhelmed sometimes. You are not defined by your grades or scores!
Despite its reputation, junior year can be exciting, as you are now finally an upperclassman. Yes, there will be homework and exams, but there will also be new memories with friends, visiting college campuses, and figuring out what you want to learn in college!