I am finally in my junior in college and nothing shows more stress on my forehead than having to take all classes that are both writing and reading intensive. Classes are meant to be writing and reading intensive, but taking lower level courses, they were focused in either writing or reading alone.

Here are the top five things you should consider doing during your sophomore year before junior year or if you are a junior, let this be a checklist of what you should think about doing.

1. Apply to Internships

If you have not done so already, apply for internships. Nothing shouts out "experience" to your interviewer than a résumé filled with different experiences and skills that you have learned and can apply to the workforce.

2. Study Abroad

Since you have stayed on campus for a good two years, now is the time to consider studying abroad and widen your educational scope. Adventure is out there and learning at a different institution at a different city will be more beneficial in the further future.Check your schools study abroad programs!

3. Connect, connect, connect

If you have not done so already, network. Networking provides many benefits, especially when it comes to getting a job or even another internship or fellowship. Sometimes, the people you know will help you climb to the top and get to where you need to be. This doesn’t mean, however, for you to use people and abuse the power of meeting different people.

4. Stick to your plan

It is fine to not know what you want to do after graduation, but have a clear plan. The plan does not have to be a clear-cut one, but do plan on working on that so that you are not running around like a headless chicken. Know what you DO NOT like. This will help you come to a conclusion on what works best for you. DO REMEMBER that being fickle can do more harm than good. Work with what you have and work on what you NEED and WANT to accomplish.

5. Higher Education?

Now that you have a plan, are you interested on applying for graduate school? You do not have to worry about the exams yet, but do consider that you will have to take either of the following exams if you are interested in any of the following fields.

• GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)
• LSAT (Law School Admissions Test)
• MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test)
• GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

If you do have plans on other fields such as being a paramedic or technician, you will have to apply to schools that provide the resources you will need for these programs.

Do not stress, you have a year or two left before graduation, but the pressure is on. Look into different opportunities and be open to these opportunities. The list of these five things are what you should look out for and pay attention to as you prepare for the big ceremony and apply for graduation.