So you're finally an upperclassman... Congrats! While this is, to be cliche, one of the best times of your life, it's also one of the busiest. Many people think that only seniors are busy, but surprise – you, an 11th grader, have plenty to be doing, too.
1. Take your SAT/ACT
I know it might feel early to be taking a SAT in October of your junior year, but honestly, it isn't. Taking these early means you'll have plenty of time to retest if you need to.
2. Learn to do laundry
I know it sucks to have to do your own laundry, but everyone has to eventually. Even if you don't leave home for college, Mom can't move in with you when you're a real adult.
3. Tour colleges
This one will probably feel early too, but if you're interested in a school, take the time to go do a formal tour. If you like it, you might want to do an informal tour again your senior year. If not, you save the money you would've spent on the application fee.
4. Save your money
Speaking of saving money, it's not a bad idea to save a little bit of what you get either in your paycheck or at your birthday. Take it from someone who probably should've but didn't.
5. Write a good paper
If you're not at least decent at writing papers, you're going to have a very long senior year. Junior year is a great time to figure that out before you get overwhelmed by application essays, school papers, and scholarship questions.
6. Learn to cook
You don't have to be a gourmet chef, but you should probably at least know how to grill a cheese and make pasta.
7. Make new friends
First of all, new friends are fun. Second of all, it's good practice for talking to people and going away to college. Third of all, you might actually really like these people you've never spoken to before.
8. Try that activity/sport you've always been interested in
Most people say this for seniors, but I would say that it's more relevant for juniors. As seniors, most people don't have time to try new activities or are able to use the "well, this is my last year" excuse. Don't be most people.
9. Be totally involved in what you do
One, it looks good on applications and scholarships. Two, you'll probably enjoy yourself.
10. Get a drivers' license
If you don't already have one, get it. Even if you live in a huge city where public transportation is more practical,you will still probably have to drive at least a few times in your life. At the very least, it could be a useful skill to have.
11. Do you
I know I'm rounding off this article with a massive cliche, but I'm serious. Do what you love and do it with everything you've got. Don't be afraid to be your fabulous self. Be confident, be bold, be who you want to be because, in the end, you'll regret not doing something because of how it looks a lot more than you'll regret doing something that made you look stupid because you loved it.
