Dear juniors,

This is most likely going to be your hardest year yet. You're going to take hard classes with a lot of homework. You're going to want to go to social events. You're going to be applying to colleges and for scholarships. You're going to be taking tests. Most of all, you're going to be stressed. This year is the base of your future. Make sure you're taking the right steps.

Apply for scholarships. There are so many random scholarships out there that not many people know about. If you're a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, there's a scholarship you can apply for. Think of every aspect of your life and see if there is a scholarship that you can apply for. It may be time consuming, but it'll help you pay for college in the future. Write an essay or two. For most applications, you can use an essay that you've used before. Just apply! Trust me, it's worth it.

via">https://giphy.com/gifs/jimbo-tMyq5gtmwPWG4">via GIPHY

Apply for colleges. Even if you are just thinking about a school, apply. Especially if there is no application fee, it won't hurt you. Just like filling out scholarship applications, it may be time consuming, but it's worth it. You will have options and options are wonderful.

via">https://giphy.com/gifs/gilmoregirls-netflix-gilmor... GIPHY

Study. You will have so many tests. The ACT, SAT, AP tests, not to mention, all the normal tests you'll have in classes. As much as you think some of these are pointless, they do help you. The ACT and SAT help you get into college. AP tests might get you some college credit. Prepare as much as you can for these. Put in some extra money to get the practice exams. Take the AP practice tests in class seriously. It'll help you in the long run if you want to do well in college.

via">https://giphy.com/gifs/IPbS5R4fSUl5S">via GIPHY

Stay involved, but not too involved.There are so many opportunities for you. Jobs. Homecoming. Practices. Games. Parties. Relationships. Prom. Musicals. Clubs. You may be eager to join everything that you discover, but realize, in some cases, this is not the smartest idea. You don't want to have too many things to do. You need time for homework and studying as well.

via">https://giphy.com/gifs/lizzie-y93Dv9FqoaGaY">via GIPHY

Prioritize. You want to support your classmates at games and you want to be a part of the school dances, but realize you have school work to take care of as well. If you have a job, do not put that on the back burner. You need money for college. Prioritizing will be the single most important thing you do this year. You need to take care of your health and homework and job. Those are all important, but at some point, you're going to have to choose which is the most important.

via">https://giphy.com/gifs/Qoo3bwSnTeXD2">via GIPHY

Your future depends on many choices that you will be making this year. Remember, you are still a child so you need to have fun, but you are also very close to becoming a young adult. You need to take the right steps so that you will benefit. Think, then take action.