Advice to high school juniors from a senior! Kat M. goes over six simple tips that contributed to her junior year success, including prioritizing her mental health and keeping a balance between studying and socializing. Check out her video below!
Make your mental health a priority (0:15)
Everyone has bad days, but if these bad days stretch for a long period of time and you continue to feel stressed out from school, it’s time to take a step back. Talk to a trusted adult and make sure you are mentally healthy before returning to your school work. Though it may seem like it sometimes, school is never more important than your mental health!
Take courses that are challenging (within reason!) (0:40)
Colleges do like seeing rigorous classes on your schedule. However, it is important you pick classes that will challenge you but not overwhelm you.
Talk to your guidance counselor about the college search (1:05)
Your counselor’s job is to help you succeed, so take advantage of this resource as much as possible. Ask your counselor questions about the college search and keep them updated on your progress. Your counselor will help you generate a list of colleges that are the best fit for you and then help you work toward getting accepted.
Make a list of teachers for your college recommendations (1:26)
Choose teachers who know you well and are aware of your potential. Colleges usually require recommendations from teachers that teach core subjects like English, science, or history; however, some will accept recommendations from elective courses in the arts or physical education.
Choose extracurriculars that will ultimately make you happy (1:53)
Colleges prefer to see someone who is involved in extracurriculars they genuinely enjoy and are committed to, as opposed to being a part of several extracurriculars and having little to no involvement. Don’t spread yourself too thin!
Balance school with your social life (2:15)
Socializing is a great way to reduce the stress of junior year. Have fun and work hard!
Have any other advice for high school juniors? Let us know in the comments! Plus, find even more tips and watch more videos from our student vloggers on the CollegeXpress YouTube Channel.
