Junior Year: Make Every Move Count

Junior Year: Make Every Move Count 

Junior year is widely considered the most important year of high school because it’s the final stretch before students start applying to college. It’s critical that students demonstrate what colleges are looking for. Universities like Stanford look for “students who will make a strong contribution to the Stanford community by demonstrating intellectual vitality and academic leadership.” Learning what each college is looking for can add pressure, especially to juniors who are overwhelmed with SATs, grades, and more. To provide some relief, here’s how to make every move count. 

Follow Your Own Path 

The University of Pennsylvania looks for “students who aspire to develop and refine their talents and abilities.” Junior year is a great time for students to hone in on their academic and personal strengths while partaking in activities that are uniquely them. 

Does this mean that if you have similar interests as someone else that you should follow what they do? No. It means that students should take a step back and truly consider what matters to them. For example, many students are interested in pre-med, but their specific reasons for doing so may differ. A student who lives with and takes care of their disabled grandparent, may want to choose a path in medicine that works with disabilities in geriatric care. Whereas, a student whose parents are dentists and always hears about preventable cavities may want to choose a path in medicine that works on preventative medicine. To supplement students could take additional courses and attend seminars to learn more about their specific cause. 

Commit to Academic Excellence 

This doesn’t just mean acing all your classes, exams, and SATs, but partaking in academic research within the intended major or displaying the depth of your knowledge of the field in their real-life applications. If you’re able to secure a position doing real research with an academic professor in an academic setting like a laboratory, this would show intellectual curiosity. Likewise, if you are able to secure internships with real deliverables, you’ll show academic excellence. These are also great options for a third letter of recommendation from someone who has experience working with you in the field. Along those lines, colleges value real world experience, like any paid job that is meaningful (at least 6-8 weeks with at least 30 hours a week). Even ordinary jobs like service and retail are valuable learning opportunities. 

Plan Ahead 

Make a plan of the following: 

• What you have done 
• What are you going to do 
• What your summer will look like
• What senior year will look like 

From there, reach out to people to figure out your research and job opportunities that align with your specific interest. By the time August 1 comes senior year, you want to be ready for the Common Application with a curated activities list and a clear and compelling reason for what and why you want to major in college. 

Where Top Juniors Rise 

What do top applicants have in common? Their junior year is focused and shows the story they want to tell. Better yet, their story shows a dedication to being in “service to society”—to our community, … and the wider world. Top applicants are able to ask themselves why they chose their pathways, explain what drives their curiosities, and elaborate on how their choices and activities throughout the years connect. It’s a reflective process that is unique to every student and it’s a process that we at SK Education Consulting can help you with. 

Key Takeaways 

• Follow your own path. 
• Commit to academic excellence. 
• Plan ahead. 
• Articulate your why for choosing your pathway.