A Short Guide To Surviving Junior Year

Going into junior year, I had heard ‌the rumors, but I didn’t think it would be that bad. So, here is a short guide for all the juniors out there trying to make it through the second-semester finish line.

Junior year is so very different. Most years feel as if we are rounding the bend of life, driving toward the next pit stop full of new opportunities and challenges. But this year feels more like a sharp, sudden turn that speeds its way into the future while leaving your childhood behind. — Christine Carter

Workload

As many of you know from experience or word of mouth, junior year is when the workload becomes almost unbearable. Everything begins to feel like it matters 10x more than it used to. Assignments become less of a busywork task, and instead, assignments that will actually determine your level of success in the class. Missing classes also becomes a thing of the past during junior year. Because one day of “I don’t feel like it” could lead to tons of makeup work or being completely lost in the class (. . .or multiple classes).

Time is... different?

Each passing week feels shorter and shorter; the work piles on quicker and quicker, and it seems like seven hours isn’t enough time to get your homework done. Junior year is basically one long countdown to the next due date. Tests are always right around the corner, and new things are added to the to-do list daily. Not to mention life outside of school, like sports, clubs, jobs, etc. takes up even more time and adds even more stress onto the mess that junior year already is. Avoidance isn’t as easy as once before, because procrastination has worse consequences now. If you are not careful with your time, it can be very easy to lose track everything and fall behind.

Balancing it all

As mentioned before, life tends to get really, really busy during junior year. That’s why it is important to take a step back and figure out what actually deserves your energy. Yes, schoolwork is important, but it is very easy to become burnt out when all you're doing is working day in and day out. Realizing that not everything has to be perfect is one of the easiest ways to get yourself through junior year. Your well-being is the most important thing, and having a strong mindset—not a tired one—is what will help you get through the most. Taking a breath might not be as detrimental to your success as you think; it might even help you.

Asking For Help

Even if it is not something you normally do, do it. The easiest way to get rid of stress is to get help where it’s needed instead of spending hours trying to figure it out on your own. Of course, teachers are always the first option, but asking friends or utilizing resources such as the writing center are also very helpful (I can vouch). Study groups—especially for those taking multiple college or advanced classes—are great to have someone to work with, bounce ideas off, and help you in areas you are struggling with. Getting feedback on work or simply showing your teacher that you are making efforts can be really beneficial.

It’s hard being in the center of it all. You have the workload of a senior but not the reward of graduation on the other side, so don’t beat yourself up for it. It happens to everyone. Not every grade will be where you want it to be, and not every quiz will be as easy as the ones during freshman year. It’s most important to do the best you can, ask for help, and of course, make time for life to happen. Soon enough, all the real-life responsibilities will start to flood in, so take advantage of it while you can.