By now, emails from school administrators may be starting to appear in your inbox. Class schedules are being released soon. It’s a sign that summer is drawing to a close, and that you’ll soon be back to the daily routine of the school year.
By all means, make the most of these last few weeks of vacation. Sleep in, spend time with friends, and unwind! But, it’s probably time to start thinking about the upcoming academic year, too.
School is fast approaching, and now is an excellent opportunity to get organized and prepare for what’s ahead. This should definitely include scheduling some downtime for yourself; looking after your mental and physical well-being is crucial. But, having a plan and setting some basic goals can help reduce stress and make the transition back into school an easier process.
This is especially true for incoming Juniors. You’re halfway through high school, and your junior year is a crucial one. Colleges will start looking at your grades from this year, so it’s essential to hit the ground running. Here are a few tips to help you get started on the right foot.
Start Prioritizing Academics
Junior year is the time to start putting academics first. This doesn’t mean sacrificing your social life or extracurricular activities, but it does mean setting aside enough time each day to study and complete assignments. It’s easy to fall behind if you don’t stay on top of your workload, so make a schedule and stick to it.
You might also want to explore advanced placement, or AP courses. Colleges want to see that you’ve challenged yourself academically. This means taking rigorous courses in subjects that interest you and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Not only will this impress colleges, but it will also help prepare you for the academic rigors of college.
Explore Extracurriculars
Academic performance is important. But, colleges also want to see well-rounded students who are active in extracurricular activities.
Use your junior year to explore different clubs, organizations, and sports teams that align with your interests. This can make your college application stand out among the pack of other applicants. It will also help you develop important skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management; all skills which will serve you well in the coming years.
Keep in mind that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to extracurriculars. Instead of joining every club or team available, focus on a few that truly interest you and strive for leadership positions within them.
Prepare for Standardized Tests
Junior year is the ideal time to start preparing for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. These tests play a significant role in college admissions, so it’s important to take them seriously.
Start by taking practice tests and identify areas where you need to improve. You might even want to consider investing in test preparation courses or working with a tutor. This can help you maximize your score.
Remember that you can take each test multiple times. They’ll take the best score from each section. So for example, if you do well on reading the first time you take the test, but are less than satisfied with your math score, you can take the test a second time and try to raise up your math score, without worrying that your reading score will go down.
Begin Your College Search
You’re still more than a year away from the beginning of the college application process. But, Junior year is the perfect time to start researching colleges and universities.
Make a list of schools that interest you. Begin gathering information about their admission requirements, campus life, majors offered, and any other factors that are important to you. You can also attend college fairs and information sessions to learn more about different schools and their programs.
It’s important to keep an open mind during this process. Don’t limit yourself to just one or two schools, but don’t overwhelm yourself with too many options, either. Aim for a healthy balance of reach, target, and safety schools when creating your list.
Start Building Relationships
Your junior year is the perfect time to start building relationships with teachers, counselors, and other adults who can serve as mentors and provide letters of recommendation for your college applications.
Try to get to know at least one teacher or counselor well enough that they can write a detailed letter of recommendation highlighting your academic achievements, personal qualities, and potential for success in college. This will be a valuable asset to your application.
Visit a Campus
Already have your top-tier schools picked out? It might be a good idea to consider scheduling a campus visit to get a better feel for the school.
Remember, there’s a lot more to the college experience than simply academics. You want to get a feel for the culture of the school, and ensure that the vibe is right for you.
During your visit, you can take a campus tour, sit in on a class or two, and even meet with current students to get their perspective on the school. This will help you narrow down your choices and make an informed decision when it comes time to apply.
In Conclusion…
Navigating the college application process can seem daunting, but with careful planning and engagement, it becomes a manageable journey.
By exploring options, building relationships with mentors, and visiting campuses, you can make informed decisions that align with your educational and personal goals. Remember to stay organized, maintain a balanced perspective, and embrace the excitement of this pivotal time in your life.
Ultimately, the right fit will support not only your academic ambitions but also your personal growth as you transition into this new chapter. Take the time to reflect on your experiences and remain open to discovering what the future holds.