Juniors, when they tell you to take the ACT seriously, take it as seriously as a heart attack because it's a big deal.
When I was a junior, I brushed off the ACT like it was no biggie, not considering the fact that my score is what would get me into college. All I thought about was the fact that I was an upperclassman, one of the queens of the school. The only thing I had in my mind was senior activities, prom, graduation and then, of course college, but you are going to encounter so many obstacles before you get to that point. Trust me you do not want to rush it.
The ACT is your best friend throughout junior year and beginning of senior year so take it as many times as you possibly can and study as hard as you can for it. It will not be easy, but I promise when you get that score you get scholarships and that brings in moola, and trust me, you're going to need that for college.
Also, do not procrastinate.
The biggest life lesson throughout my last two years of high school is that procrastinating will be the death of you. Start your college tours early, start studying earlier, start preparing for everything earlier because, trust me, it is going to come at you like a ton of bricks.
Everyone told me how fast senior year went by, and honestly, it flashed by in the blink of an eye. It truly is bittersweet.
Your moment is finally here, but if you don't do the best you can, it's going to come back and bite you. Trust me, I really wish I would have taken everything more seriously and done things differently. I'm happy how things went, but I definitely could have done things better.
Do not load yourself with too many AP classes your GPA will not increase that much just be loading yourself with AP classes, trust me. You want an easy, stress-free senior year, so do not load yourself with AP classes your last year of high school. Do your work, but also have fun. You want to have the best time ever, but also make sure you're doing everything you need to do in order to get there.
Go to every sporting event you can possibly go to. Keep your studies first, but attend all the games and events you can. Support your classmates and just enjoy being in high school. I don't care if you hate sports, just go watch. You will regret not going later on. Go to dances and school events...do all the high school things before it's too late. I promise you're gonna wish you would have done it all.
Enjoy every second you have with your classmates because when April comes and you all are preparing for prom, graduation, and college decision day, you'll realize that your high school family is separating and it's a hard pill to swallow. It won't be an easy year, but I believe in all of you. I know you will all succeed and achieve greatness. Never give up on your hopes and dreams. Choose the college that makes you feel at home, keep in touch with friends, and always remember every single moment you can because it won't last forever.
