MV juniors are facing the stressful preparation for ACT’s in just a month.

Freshly appointed “upperclassmen status” means that junior students now have more pressure on them than ever before.

“Junior year is absolutely all I hoped it would be in social and academic aspects, although I heavily underestimated the difficulty of it,” said Cecilia Little, ‘27.

While some students have been extremely stressed with the pile of work that comes with being a junior, others have described the year as a more mundane one.

“Junior year has actually been really boring but it feels like it’s going by super fast,” Miranda Rostollan, ‘27, stated.

Moving from underclassmen to upperclassmen can be a drastic change for most. So what is the secret to unlocking the perfect junior year?

“I would advise current sophomores that if they plan on taking multiple AP classes while involved in clubs or sports to prioritize time management or also take a study hall to minimize stress,” said Little.

On the topic of ACT’s, what colleges are this year’s juniors considering?

“I am planning on attending Rend Lake for two years, then possibly Murray,” Rostollan said.

“As of right now, l’m thinking of applying to SIUC or the University of Illinois,” Little said.

Depending on what extracurricular activities students are involved in, their workloads differ considerably, especially in junior year.

“I have less work than last year, and it’s much easier. Being a junior is much better than before,” said Rostollan.

“Taking on two AP classes while advancing in activities like theater and Student Council has definitely added lots of stress to my system and gives me little free time, ”replied Little.

High school, as well as test scores, allow us to set a pathway to our future.

“In five years, I see myself with a degree in Mass Communication or Public Relations, moving into a promising career,” Little shared.

“In five years, I hope to be graduating hopefully and getting a really nice-paying job,” Rostallan said.

After all is said and done, while junior year is considered the hardest year, the trials we face can also bring out just how strong we are.

“Even if you are struggling with stress, overwhelming amounts of homework, and issues not related to school, it will get better,” said Little.