I’m looking at you, juniors!

We are all too familiar with the dreaded decline in grades, GPA, and hope that occurs sophomore year. This is known as the sophomore slump. You feel like you have worked your absolute hardest all year, but you felt like you never saw your hard work pay off. Instead, you saw crummy grades, a diminishing GPA, and major life decision confusion about what you will do with the rest of your life. I am here to say that I was a victim of the sophomore slump. However, moving into my junior year, I will not let it define me. And neither should you! 

Here are six ways to escape this downward spiral and only flourish from here. 

1. Accept that you could have done better or tried harder. This is the first and most important step. If you do not accept that you could have done more, you will put in the same effort and get the same undesired results. 

2. Implement game-changing study habits. Start studying for a test at least one week in advance. Do not just memorize; apply your content. Review notes every day to drill important concepts into your memory. Realize that you only have one shot on an assignment, test, etc., so give it your all! 

3. Enjoy learning. Enjoy expanding your knowledge and learning new things. Enjoy becoming well-rounded in subjects that you would not normally explore. 

4. Research majors and jobs. Research majors and jobs that you think interest you as well as those that do not. You never know what you could find and end up doing -- and loving -- for the rest of your life. Attend career fairs. Talk to and get advice from friends, mentors, parents, and professors about potential majors and jobs. 

5. Develop a constructive, yet realistic routine. Set aside specific times every day to study, review class notes, quiz yourself, and read. Schedule breaks with little rewards and a fun activity for when you’re done -- like taking a walk, going out with friends for ice cream, or watching your favorite show.

6. Hold on and keep the faith. Pep talk time. You can do it! You are smart. You are successful. You know what you need to do; now, do it! You can and will escape the sophomore slump.