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There is one year of high school that is known to be more demanding and more stressful than any other year: 11th grade.

Junior Krista Slavik, for example, has a long list of activities for her college application.

“I’m doing French club, and Habitat for Humanity,” she says, “and Feed the Hungry Club, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.”

There’s also JV lacrosse and, on most nights, four hours of homework.

“It just seems like if you don’t get into a good college,” says Krista, “then you’re not going to get a good job.”

Junior year is considered the most stressful high school year for many reasons: tougher courses, grades that count towards college, the SAT, and anxiety about the future.

“It’s kind of stressful knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life,” says Krista. “I mean, I have no idea.”

Experts recommend three ways for parents to ease the stress of junior year. First, set limits on extra-curricular activities.

“She has lacrosse right now,” says Krista’s mom Janice, “and I’ve limited both her and her sister to one sport at a time, because it was just getting too crazy.”

Another stress-reliever for juniors may be surprising, but it is considered critical – socializing.

“Anytime they are hanging out with their friends is stress management,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Andy Blatt. “They call it ‘hanging out’, parents sometimes call it ‘doing nothing’. It’s okay. Just try and look at it in the way that it’s stress management.”

Finally, he says, help kids to not make a classic mistake.

“My friend Laleh, she’s actually graduating early,” explains Krista, “and she is taking five AP’s, and I’m taking one, and I’m like, ‘Oh maybe that’s not enough.’”

Comparing grades, test scores and college applications with other kids may seem inevitable, experts say – but it is a mistake.

“Don’t jump into this rat race thing,” says Dr. Blatt. “Don’t compare yourself to other people. Because really, the only race in life – towards college, towards the future – is the race with yourself.”

What We Need To Know

• Although it may be tough, try not to view junior year as an “all or nothing” experience. Grades from junior year are important, but most colleges consider a student’s entire high school career. (David Graves, Associate Director of Admissions, University of Georgia)
• Limit extra-curricular activities. Most colleges will be able to spot a student who signs-up for five clubs junior year simply to pad their college admission application. In general, colleges are looking for students who can demonstrate a passion for a few activities. (David Graves, Associate Director of Admissions, University of Georgia)
• High school students need nine to 10 hours of sleep every night. Studies show sleep deprivation leads to lower grades, decreased motivation, stress, moodiness, and depression. (Dr. Jeffrey Durmer, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Pediatric Sleep Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta)
• Choose a course load that makes sense for your child. Too many honors or AP courses will lead students to stay up too late doing homework. (Andy Blatt, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity eases stress and releases endorphins into the body. Kids should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. (Andy Blatt, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)
• When it comes to the SAT, students should start preparing early. View the SAT as “just another test.” (Andy Blatt, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)
• Plan on applying to a reasonable number of colleges. Applying to only one school creates more stress by putting “all your eggs in one basket.” Applying to more than 10 schools is excessive and creates too much work. Most students apply to between two and five schools. (David Graves, Associate Director of Admissions, University of Georgia)
• If other parents approach you, asking unwanted or competitive questions – such as “how many AP courses is your child taking?” or “what colleges are you researching?” – try to avoid becoming competitive yourself. Answer with a generic statement like, “we are trying to find the best fit for our child.” (Andy Blatt, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)

Resources

• David Graves, Associate Director of Admissions, University of Georgia
• Jeffrey Durmer, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Pediatric Sleep Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
• Andy Blatt, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist

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