As I near the end of my junior year, I realize what little time I have left before my senior year approaches. Eleventh grade has flown by, and soon the Class of 2019 will take my grade's place. To attempt to capture some of the best tips, tricks and advice for incoming juniors, I have collaborated with my friend Berkley to provide a few helpful hints.
Classes
Extracurriculars
SAT/ACT Prep
Health
Social Life
College
Classes
- Robby: There might be one semester that is more intense as far as workload goes, so try not to get overwhelmed with your work. I know it will get stressful at times, but there is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel. Don't be afraid to take Honors classes, either. I actually found myself being more productive when I had more on my plate because I was determined to have some down time on busier nights.
- Berkley: Stay on top of everything. Even if you are behind on an assignment, you'll still have to turn it in eventually. As long as you turn in your work on time, you'll be good.
Extracurriculars
- Robby: Think about what clubs you are in that you like and which ones you do not spend as much time on. Focus more on the club or clubs that you don't drag yourself to every week and that you genuinely want to go to. If you are not yet in a club at school, use club rush as an opportunity to pick up a new activity.
- Berkley: If you're going to take on a job, make sure to set aside time for homework. Try not to get stressed about everything, but your school work should come first over your upcoming shift at Starbucks or Chipotle.
SAT/ACT Prep
- Robby: Take a practice SAT and ACT on back-to-back weekends in the fall, and see if you score better on either test. I know that our school is more focused on the SAT, but you might be surprised with your performance on the ACT when you give it a try. Don't stress out too much about testing; after you take it once in 11th grade you can evaluate whether you want to take it again (or multiple times) before the summer or during the fall of your senior year.
- Berkley: Manage your time wisely. SAT prep is a killer.
Health
- Robby: Try your best to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. (I'm being pretty hypocritical since I averaged about 6 to 7 hours of sleep, but I noticed a huge difference in the way I was able to focus on my work the next day when I had enough sleep.) My friends also noticed when I was exhausted, and I felt like I was my best self on days that I was refreshed.
- Berkley: Be smart about what you eat; it can come back to bite you later.
Social Life
- Robby: Be prepared to see your friend group(s) change in 11th grade. You might be on a different team than some of your friends from 10th grade, and it could be harder to have conversations with each other when you're split up.
- Berkley: For girls, your friends are more important than boys.
College
- Robby: Talk to your parents about maybe going on some college tours (either local or out-of-state) over spring break. College always seemed like a faraway thing for me, but stepping on campus helped me to visualize what my future after high school might look like.
- Berkley: I'm not the one to ask on this one. I can't believe college is coming up so soon.