Teachers stress junior year is your hardest year, and completing it unscaved is even harder. Here are the best tips and tricks on surviving junior year.

Block lunch is the only time other than passing period when you can talk to your friends. Because we have an hour lunch, it can be hard to situate a group of friends. It’s easier to find a place where there are not other teens with the same agenda.

If you don’t believe it, you’ll find out. The cafeteria is filled to the brim with students actually trying to buy food, others standing around trying to look cool and people rushing to tutorials. The majority of the junior class hasn’t had a full year of block lunch yet and obviously you don’t want to be caught in the uproar. Take this advice and find yourself a classroom. Being in a classroom will eliminate the anxiety of looking for a table and running into unnecessary problems.

Block lunch is enjoyable when you’re able to hear your own thoughts, find your friends easily and go to clubs. Although teachers might not allow certain students in their room because they’re hosting club meetings, this shouldn’t hinder you if are involved.

Being involved is pretty easy, pick a club and join. Our school clubs don’t have requirements. Be sure to actually like the club as joining a club you’re not genuinely interested in isn’t a good idea. Clubs are for everyone. Joining a club helps you meet new people and have more friends. Pick a club that aligns with your personal style; having nothing to look forward to after school or before lunch can be extremely boring. You have nothing to lose from joining a club.

Pay attention to deadlines. This has been stressed enough by all of your teachers, but it’s that serious. Missing deadlines can be one of the biggest downfalls of your junior year. It may sound corny, but it’s the truth. Deadlines can actually determine whether or not you attend college. Writing all of your important dates in a planner is the easiest way to keep track of these dates. Major events in your junior year always have a deadline, so don’t miss them.

The biggest dates during your junior year are the ACT and SAT. These tests determine your college readiness; taking these tests at every opportunity ensures your success the next time you take it. Take it from a senior, please do not wait until the last minute as you will suffer the consequences. Going through this as a senior, it’s extremely stressful to know you can’t apply to a college without those test scores. So try to remember to take both tests at least once.

The last piece of advice is to focus on yourself. There will be people asking for your attention and occasionally you won’t be available, that’s OK. Don’t try to bite off more than you can chew. Junior year will be hectic and scary but if you keep your end goal in mind, you can do it. Don’t take this as the only way to be successful is to cut off all your friends, but if you know you have an assignment due Monday, finish it before hanging out with friends. It’s normal to lose a few friends along the way while using this method, but your grades affect your future this year. It’s OK to be considerate of others, but when it comes to your future, you come first.