Tips for conquering junior year

Melanie Marino, writer

Out of all four years of high school, the current general concession is that junior year is the most difficult.

Among more rigorous classes, harder tests, a busier schedule, and the dreaded ACT and PSAT tests, juniors have a heavy load to bear. To any juniors currently struggling to stay on top of things, and to any underclassmen who have yet to make it to junior year, here are a few tips on how to make your junior year a success.

  1. Get to work

When arriving home from school, the most appealing choice might seem to be relaxing on the couch with your phone or watching some Netflix instead of getting to work. Those activities have their own time and place and should come after all your work is done. The faster you get work done, the faster you can relax—without overhanging obligations.

  1. Don’t overload yourself

During junior year you may be tempted to load up on all the courses and extra activities offered, such as honors diploma, AP classes, ACT courses, and school clubs and sports. While those activities have merit, burdening yourself with so many extracurriculars to the point where you become overly stressed is something to be careful of.

  1. Get organized

Buy a planner. Make a checklist. Create a clean work space. Do whatever is needed in order to organize yourself in a way that works best for you. Staying organized throughout the year also helps you keep track of assignments and be proactive.

  1. Make space for YOU time

Education is important, but so is personal health. Make it a priority to set aside time for doing things you love, whether it be getting cozy and reading a book or hanging out with friends. A happy mind = a healthy mind.