Junior Year Goals
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One of the best things to do during the junior year of high school is to create a success plan. The suggestions below will help students organize and begin to formulate their plan.
1. Prioritize grades and course selection.
Make sure the courses you select contain a rigorous curriculum. Most of your classes should be college preparatory. While earning a lower grade is difficult to deal with, a more advanced class combined with a lower grade shows that you are brave and willing to embrace a challenge.
2. Start exploring post-secondary options.
Attend college fairs and find schools that meet your chosen criteria: size, location, clubs and organizations, majors, and more. You may also want to learn about other possibilities like trade schools and the military.
3. Research, research, research.
Take responsibility for post-secondary planning by visiting the College and Career Center. Start thinking about what you really want to ask your counselor and CCC teacher: 4-year planning, admissions questions, financial aid, future options and career choices.
4. Shadow a professional or find a career mentor.
This is an opportunity to learn if you really like a field in which you have an interest. Talk to adults and see what they enjoy and dislike about their jobs. Use your parents, relatives, friends, and neighbors as a networking tool, too.
5. Keep involved in extracurricular activities.
College and university admissions staff know when students are trying to pad their resumes and applications, so instead of doing everything, take part in activities that really matter to you. This includes but is not limited to clubs, music, sports, or volunteer work. Working is also a notable pursuit. Being involved shows leadership, an interest in your world, and time management skills.
6. Consider taking the SAT/ACT in your junior year.
Some universities are "test optional" and others may use the scores for math and English placement. Speak to your counselor about how to sign up and study for these tests.
Top 4 Skills for High School Students
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Whether a first-year student or a senior, developing the following four skills will help you achieve success in school, in a chosen career, and in life.
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Time Management
You know the deal: There are just 24 hours in each day. What you do with that time makes all the difference. While high school students average 35 hours per week of class time, college students log an average of 15 to 18 hours per week.
Getting your "free" time under control now will help prepare you for managing that extra 20 hours a week come freshman year of college — when you'll need to study but want to socialize more than ever.
If you don't already, start using a daily planner. This could be a datebook you keep in your bag, an online version you maintain at home, or both. It's easy to overschedule or "double-book" if we aren't careful. Manage your time wisely and you'll get the maximum out of each day.
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Good Study Habits
If you've got them, great. If not — well, there's still time to develop them. Good study habits include these basics:
- Always be prepared for class and attend classes regularly. No cutting!
- Complete assignments thoroughly and in a timely manner.
- Review your notes daily rather than cram for tests the night before.
- Set aside daily time for study — even if you don't have homework or a test the next day!
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The Ability to Set Attainable Goals
It is important to set goals, as long as they are attainable. Setting goals that are unreasonably high is a set-up — you'll be doomed to frustration and disappointment.
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Concentration
Listen to your teacher and stay focused. Be sure that you understand the lesson. If you do not understand something, ask questions! You've heard it before, but "the only dumb question is the one you don't ask" is absolutely true. If you have been paying attention, it definitely won't be a dumb question.
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