If you’re here, you’re probably a sophomore at Spain Park and have NO idea what to expect for junior year. Well, in the least terrible way possible, expect chaos. You’ve probably heard this haunting quote before: “Junior year is the hardest.”
Whoever said that definitely wasn’t wrong. It is by far the hardest year. But with a few tips, you should be able to survive.
1. Find a way around your procrastination!
Procrastination will come back to haunt you if you don’t stay on top of things! Some procrastination is manageable, but starting your homework at 9 pm won’t work out for you, especially if you’re taking on many AP or AL classes. Starting your homework earlier will definitely help you stay on track, but it will also keep your sleep schedule in check as well.
2. Start your homework on Saturdays
It sounds gross, I know. But it will help you, trust me. Before junior year, I was always the type of student to start my homework on Sunday night. However, waiting until Sunday night to start homework during junior year is not such a hot idea. This applies to those of you who are taking AP or AL classes next year, which require a much harder work ethic.
3. Find a schedule that works best for you
No one can help personalize your schedule better than you, and having a routine schedule for every night is a great way to balance school work, extracurricular activities, chores, sleep, work, church, free time, etc... As teenagers, we are all easily distracted by our phones, so a good way to manage your time is to set time limits on yourself. Stay organized with a calendar for time management. That way, you know exactly what you need to get done for the night while also knowing how long for. This eliminates lots of stress in the long run, which is very important for mental health.
4. Start prepping for the ACT
Yes!!! The ACT! Forgot about that, didn’t you? Junior year is a crucial time to start focusing on the ACT. It is never too early to start preparing for this test, as it is one of the most important things that colleges look at when they are accepting. The ACT website is a great domain to access exactly what you need to prepare for the ACT, including dozens of practice tests. Spain Park also offers an ACT Prep Class. There are also many local programs that offer classes in preparation for the ACT. Another option is taking the SAT, as SAT scores can be converted into ACT scores for colleges! There are many upperclassmen that can answer any questions regarding the ACT, as well as the ACT website. Your best resources are the people that surround you.
5. Don’t disconnect yourself from the world!!!
Although it is difficult it to find time for yourself during junior year, always remember to care for yourself. A refreshing way to cool off after a stressful day at school is to take a walk. Taking a walk for even 15 minutes could help relax your brain and calm your body. Exercising, listening to music, watching an episode of Friends, or walking your pet are all fun ways to de-stress from school.
Junior year may sound tough, but you WILL get through it! Remember - high school is less than 1000 days of your life. You are still finding yourself, so it’s not wrong to feel a little lost sometimes. Keep your head high, and always find a reason to smile!
