First of all, to which colleges and and universities do you plan to apply? A school such as Florida Gulf Coast University or a school like Duke? Get yourself in the mindset of the average admitted student described in the freshman profile, which most colleges and universities have on their admissions websites. Aim to achieve the GPA, test scores, involvement in EC’s, and leadership positions these students have as described in the freshman profile.
I am a graduating HS senior this year and one of the prompts for the essays on the Common Application this past year and I believe this upcoming year as well is:
You could write about how you pulled up your bootstraps and showed improvement in your junior year when compared to your freshman and sophomore years and how you improved as an individual. With regard to junior year, you must work hard. DO NOT slack off on preparation for the SAT and the ACT. Standardized tests are crucial in the college admissions process and you do not want to have any regrets come May 1, the day you must make your college decision. Do as well as you can in your core classes, especially AP’s if they are weighted at your school, to keep your GPA as high as possible. Try to be elected into leadership positions in EC’s you are heavily involved in - show involvement! And lastly, do not procrastinate!
I wish you the best of luck this upcoming year!