CameronKnown to many, college application happens during the first semester of senior year, college counselors will send each student’s 9-11th grades, known as the transcript, to the colleges that they apply. Therefore, high school junior year is the crucial stage to demonstrate steady and progressive development over the course of high school; the majority of students should have completed the BASIS graduation requirement by the end of the year, indicating their academic competency for university-level courses.
As observed, while most students will embrace the most number of AP courses this year, they also manage to prepare for standardized tests; on top of that, given their upper classmen status, junior year is the time for them to assume leadership positions in student organizations and extracurricular activities. To sum up, this is the toughest year in high school, meaning heavier workload and duties, harder quizzes and tests, and college application is right around the corner.
To this end, here are some tips for high school juniors to survive this year and prepare them for their senior year:
- Junior students should definitely meet with their assigned college counselor to discuss their schedule at the beginning of school, finalizing the schedule, confirming the courses will have met graduation requirement, and aligning the courses with their future intended major in college. At the same time, junior students reflect on their goals with their college counselor, taking all factors into consideration, setting clear, reasonable targets and plans, and working toward that goal with direction and motivation. Throughout this process, students and counselor make decisions together and navigate the college application preparation alongside each other.
- After meeting with their counselor, junior students analyze their academic performance over the past two years to identify their strength and weakness. Taking the junior year wisely and effectively, students solidify their academic foundation: while making up their relatively weaker subjects, amplifying their strength is vital as this is likely to be associated with their major in undergraduate study. Generally speaking, after two years of learning, exploring, and consolidating, junior students tend to achieve the highest grades this year, reflecting the ability to comprehend challenging subjects and the readiness for college.
- Throughout the year, junior students must be aware that establishing a strong bond with subject teachers will be greatly beneficial next year: these teachers are ideal candidates to write recommendation letter. Interacting with teachers by asking and answering questions in class, participating in class discussions, and visiting during office hours, juniors are observed and assessed. All details from the contacts with teachers may later become vivid and convincing statements to be included in recommendation letter.
- Beyond classrooms, junior students also need to be extensively involved in extracurricular activities in forms of student-led organizations, sports, arts, music, volunteering or community service. Transcript and standardized test scores speak to the student’s scholar identity, but it is through activity-based events that student’s identity as leader and/or executive, athlete, artist, musician, volunteer, community member can be further validated and their characters forged, demonstrated and shaped.
- Junior year is also the most common year for students to take the SAT. First two years of high school should have laid the solid English language proficiency and mathematical background for juniors. By taking practice tests, junior students familiarize themselves with the format and content, enabling them to better pace themselves during the actual test. BIPH being a SAT test center also provides the best convenience for these SAT takers.
- Lastly and most importantly, self-care. As overwhelming and stressful as junior year is, 11th graders are advised to prioritize their own physical and mental well-being. Sleep enough hours, eat healthier meals, work-out when possible, and maintain a balanced schedule. Students should never hesitate to seek help and support when they believe they need to do so.