Most Stressful Year of High School

I am feeling a bit stressed out lately and started wondering - which year of high school is generally considered the most stressful? What are your experiences?

Generally, many students find junior year (11th grade) to be the most stressful. This is often due to a variety of factors. For starters, there's the academic workload. Junior year is typically when students take the greatest number of rigorous courses such as APs or IBs. Additionally, this is usually the year where many high-stakes standardized tests – like the SAT or ACT – are taken.

Alongside these academic pressures, students often juggle key extracurricular responsibilities as they take leadership roles in clubs, sports, or other activities. The pressure to prove college readiness can also start to mount in 11th grade as students start considering their college options more concretely.

However, this can vary depending on your schedule, your school, and even your personal circumstances. For instance, other students might find their senior year to be more stressful with the pressures of college applications and the high expectations often associated with finishing high school. It's also worth noting that while many students find the college application process stressful during senior year, if managed well, the process can be handled without too much undue stress if you start early and stay organized.

Also, remember that everyone is different. What is stressful for one person might not be for another. It's important to find strategies that work for you to manage your stress, like regular physical exercise, mindfulness and relaxation activities, and time management techniques. And always make sure to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed, whether that be from a trusted teacher, school counselor, or motivational support services like CollegeVine.