Third-year sudents, you’re entering one of the most challenging years of high school yet—and one of the most fun.
In terms of social hierarchy it may be time to sit back and chill while you watch the little freshies and sophies scurry about campus, but in terms of academics, it’s really time to buckle down and make an impression.
It’s safe to say that there is no other year of high school quite like junior year. Scroll below to find all the truths you’ll only relate to if you’re a third year.
The Stressing About College Begins
It’s officially time to freak out about applying to colleges. Everyone knows that junior year is the most important one when it comes to preparing for applications. Your grades better be top-notch, your community service better be plentiful and your dedication to extracurriculars better be show-stopping. But no pressure.
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The Benefits of Being an Upperclassman
You are officially an upperclassman. While you may not be a senior yet, you still have most of the privileges that come along with senior standing.
The Future Begins to Loom Large
You had one or more (many, many more) panic attacks about your future. As a junior it’s time that you begin deciding what you want to do after high school. College may still be a ways away, but it’s never too early to start researching the schools that are right for you.
Lunchtime Just Got a Lot Bigger
You are finally able to go off campus during lunch. You’ve been waiting for this rite of passage since you were a freshman, and ahhh, freedom is sweet.
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…But Feels Briefer Than Ever
That said, you now realize that lunch period is a whole lot shorter than you thought. Even when you book it straight to your favorite drive-thru and back, you barely return to campus before the bell rings.
Locket Visits Become Way Less Frequent
Your locker has become obsolete because you can just store your belongings in your car (or your best friend’s if you’re yet to get your own set of wheels).
Football Games Become a Lot More Relevant
You get to watch your classmates play during Friday night football games and other popular varsity events. It’s so exciting to actually know the players on the field!
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Prom!
If your school offers junior and senior proms, then you get to go to prom this year! Alternatively, you’re hoping to score yourself an invite from a senior so you can experience the dance before your friends.
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You’ve Confidently Settled Into the Full High School Routine
You’ve pretty much experienced every new thing there is to know about high school so you feel much more relaxed when walking into your AP tests or being called into the office.
The End of an Era
This is the last year of your entire life that you will ever have to take year-end standardized testing!
Graduation Gets More Exciting (and More Tearful)
You get to cheer on your older friends as they walk across stage at graduation. While you’re there to support the graduating seniors, you’re also getting a glimpse of what’s in store for you next year.
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The SATs Remain as Baffling as Ever
You’ve began to hear very mixed reviews about the SATs from your senior friends and you don’t know who to believe.
PSATs Take Over Your Existence
Yep, now it’s time to enroll in practice SAT courses, otherwise known as PSATs. Junior life is just great, isn’t it?
You’re Officially Halfway There
It feels like you’ve been in high school your entire life but you’re still only halfway through.
Your Schedule Starts Looking a Lot Different
You’re finally able to incorporate fun (aka easy) classes into your schedule because you’re beginning to fulfill certain subject credits like foreign language or P.E that often only require two years. Of course, this differs in every school district, but free periods are beginning to transition from myth to reality.
Community Service Awaits
You’ve probably put off your community service requirements because you had so much time to complete it, but crunch time commences.
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Just because you’re a junior now doesn’t mean you’re too cool for some blinged out Lisa Frank folders and notebooks. Click HERE to find out where you can still buy these rainbow school supplies.
