SAT/ACT. College tours. Prom. Junior year is a prelude to one of the most important times of our lives. You may have heard that junior year is the most important year of high school. If you have, then believe it. If you have not, junior year is the most important year of high school. I repeat, JUNIOR YEAR IS THE MOST IMPORTANT YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL. Now, on to the tips. 

1. Start to research colleges/universities

Junior year is the most important year of high school. Now that you have read that about three times, you should understand the importance that I am stressing. Junior year stats from grades to extracurricular involvement will be your ticket into college. So, if you have big university dreams or collegiate dreams in general, this is the time to create a competitive advantage over your peers. While you may have already started your research, this is time for in-depth analysis. Need help on where to start? Click me. 

2. Prepare for SAT/ACT

SAT and ACT are two of the biggest exams in your high school career. Your performance on these exams will be factors in major college and scholarship decisions. Doing your best on these exams is quintessential if you plan on attending college or receive scholarship money from an institution. These exams can be very stressful, but preparation is the remedy to all stressful situations. Also, prepare for financing these exams. It could get expensive quickly. Click here for one of my favorite free SAT prep sites. 

3. Take on a leadership position

Now, you should have at least one extracurricular activity under your belt. After a year or two of involvement, it is time to take it up a notch. Whether it be in athletics, volunteer initatives, or your favorite organization, seek out a leadership position. Keep in mind, leadership does not solely mean presidency. You could hold any official position like VP, Secretary, Treasurer, or Captain. Starting your leadership early will set you ahead of your peers and look extremely attractive to colleges and scholarships. 

4. Maintain relationships with teachers and mentors

Despite being number four, this is just as important as number one. Your relationships will take you much further than you might think. Ever heard of the famous saying, "It's not about what you know, it's about who you know."? That saying could not be any more accurate. Your teachers love to watch you progress through school and your mentors will help keep you on the right track. Keep them updated with you and don't forget to check on them every once and a while. If you find it difficult to stay in touch with others, then create a schedule where you check in with teachers and mentors at least twice a month.

5. Start writing about major events in your life

You do not have to be an award-winning author to be a writer. You do not even have to be a necessarily good writer to be a writer. This is because everyone becomes a writer their senior year. As you construct your perfect college and scholarship essays, you will have to channel your inner Shakespeare. Now, unless you have aspirations on being an award-winning author then you understand how daunting writing could be. So, starting to jot down details and feelings from major events in your life will make your senior year a breeze. Keeping track of these events, no matter how big or small they may seem, will make writing your college and scholarship essays easy as 1, 2, 3. If you need writing assistance, shoot me an e-mail at customersupport@amirharris.com. I love to help others create and express their stories. 

This short list is not only beneficial to juniors, but to any student whether in middle school, high school, or college. Share this tip list with any student to help them prepare for their best academic year yet!