You are entering your first year as a full International Baccalaureate student and are stressed.
There is so much you have to do and you feel like you don’t have enough time; trying to juggle IB and Ap classes, doing CAS monthly, having to come up with ideas for your IA, and begin writing your EE, all while studying for the SAT and ACT. Even with all these acronyms, junior year doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s a short guide to help you survive junior year.
a. With all the activities you have to do monthly, it is best to write down all upcoming deadlines, events, and time to study. You don’t want to be the person having to stay up all night, because you forgot to write a part of your IA, or need to cram for an IB chem exam. It is not going to present good results in the end, plus you will feel miserable the next day.
a. Sleep is so important, and is essential for passing junior year with little stress. Staying up a couple of more hours to cram for an exam, will not result in better grades. It is more effective to go to bed at a reasonable time, plus you will not be falling asleep during class.
a. Junior year doesn’t always have to be about work, make sure you relax. Hang out with friends, go party, and live life to the fullest. Don’t only focus on school and tests, it will only hurt your mental health.
a. Although you may think a year is a long time, it flies by. Plan for college and make sure you have a list of colleges to apply to (although this may change). Study for SAT and ACT early on, and make sure you get a score you are comfortable with, and if you have any questions about college and what colleges are looking for ask the CAP advisor, Dr. Perez.
a. Don’t stress over all the acronyms and impending due dates, you will get them done. Make sure you have fun, you are still young, so make memories, sleep in, and go to the beach. Don’t miss out on experiences because of school.
I hope you have a great year, and if you need any more tips, check out more IB in Need posts.