So far, Junior year has been stressful school wise. Not so much socially. I’m only taking one AP class, but the rest of my honors classes are treated as ‘AP’ with the workload. I’m in 2nd quarter finally, figuring out how to manage ACT prep, along with the rest of my classes. The pressure of the ACT test is getting to me too. I’m getting good grades (Straight A’s) and understanding everything, but when it comes to these tests, I feel so stupid because I don’t get the scores I want, even with practice. I am only getting 20 questions in math typically now. I’ve been aiming more at math practice right now so I’m hoping that helps. Any suggestions on how to relieve stress too?
Your ACT math score should improve toward the end of your junior year. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, and don’t overschedule yourself. Use a planner of some sort to stay organized; feeling prepared and knowing what’s ahead on your calendar can reduce stress.
Get your senior photos taken over the summer. One less chore for the fall. Get through your standardized testing this year, and visit some colleges this year if you plan to do that. If you know your test scores going into fall and have a college list in mind that has matches & safeties that are affordable, that makes next fall easier. Try to have at least one school with EA or rolling admission so you maybe get an early acceptance - that takes a lot of pressure off!
I would add to the above post to start working on your common app early. My daughter had it all done in August before classes started senior year and it made for much less stress.
Continue to focus on your schoolwork. A large majority of the concepts you will encounter on standardized tests will be taught to you during this year’s classes. Studying for the SAT/ACT on the side will surely help, although I would focus mainly on your mathematics class in order to continue to improve. (This will be especially accurate in future quarters as Q1 is typically review from the previous year). Additionally, you should start brainstorming/writing your common app essay toward the end of your junior year. Having that completed makes the entire process much easier as you are able to focus on writing great supplements instead of a more general and lengthy assignment. If you haven’t already, begin to develop a list of colleges that you would like to apply to (i would recommend 4-16 depending on your interests).
There’s plenty of things to do during your junior year in order to prepare for the future (probably your busiest time!). Working on things like these will allow you to have small successes that should prove to relieve stress and boost self-confidence.
Keep your grades up! That’s a huge win 
and don’t forget to enjoy your year.
Thank you
To reduce stress senior year, write your Common App Essay over the summer!
That is a really good idea! Thanks! Our school is having us currently look at colleges even though I know what I want to do… @bopper