Your junior year of high school is an important one. Coursework becomes more challenging, standardized tests start approaching, and you may even begin working a job. With so many responsibilities on your plate, you may wonder, “What should I be doing now to prepare for college and adult life?”

Advice is everywhere, and it can be overwhelming to sort through all the options. To help, we've narrowed it down to eight practical tips that can help you make the most of your junior year.

1. Take rigorous courses.

Your junior year is the last full year of coursework colleges and universities typically review before making admission decisions. Challenge yourself with courses that stretch your abilities, strengthen critical-thinking skills, and demonstrate academic readiness.

2. Use your time effectively.

As your academic, extracurricular, social, and work responsibilities grow, effective time management becomes essential. Prioritize important tasks, use a planner or calendar to stay organized, and schedule study time during the hours when you're most productive.

3. Take standardized tests.

Although many colleges are now test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still strengthen your application. Create a study plan, take practice exams, and identify areas where you can improve before test day.

4. Seek leadership opportunities.

With several years of high school experience behind you, look for opportunities to take on greater responsibility in clubs, sports, volunteer organizations, or part-time jobs. Leadership experience helps you grow personally while enhancing your college applications.

5. Build strong relationships with teachers.

Many colleges request recommendation letters as part of the admissions process. Teachers who know you well are better able to highlight your strengths, character, and potential. Participate in class, ask questions, and seek opportunities to connect with them.

6. Get enough sleep.

Teenagers need eight to 10 hours of sleep each night for healthy development, yet many get less than that. To reduce stress, improve concentration, and avoid burnout, aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night.

7. Begin researching colleges.

You don't need to know exactly what career you want to pursue or where you'll apply, but junior year is a great time to begin exploring your options. Research different colleges, academic programs, costs, and campus cultures to identify schools that may be a good fit.

8. Take an online course through BYU Independent Study or another provider.

Online courses can demonstrate readiness for college-level coursework while giving you greater flexibility in your schedule. BYU Independent Study helps students balance academics with work, athletics, extracurricular activities, and other commitments while learning at their own pace. Most U.S. high schools accept BYU Independent Study courses for graduation credit, but always check with your counselor before registering.

High school is a busy time. Balancing classes, sports, clubs, work, social activities, and other responsibilities can be challenging. When you fall behind, catching up can feel overwhelming. That's why strong time-management skills are so important.

With effective planning and time-management skills, you can stay on top of your responsibilities and reduce stress. Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your time as a busy high school student.

1. Use a planner or calendar.

Whether it’s a paper planner or an app on your phone, keeping track of assignment deadlines, social activities, work shifts and other responsibilities will help you stay organized. A planner can also help you avoid the last-minute panic of a major project due at midnight by reminding you beforehand.

2. Break down larger projects into smaller tasks.

Large projects and lengthy essays can seem intimidating at first. However, breaking them down into smaller steps and milestones makes it much easier to get started and spread out the workload over several days or weeks.

3. Limit distractions while you study.

It can be tempting to watch TV or play videos in the background while doing homework. However, research shows that students retain more information and perform better on tests when they study in a distraction-free environment.

4. Time-block your day.

Set aside specific blocks of time throughout the day for different tasks. By focusing on one task at a time instead of constantly switching between activities, you'll often complete assignments faster and retain more information.

5. Take regular breaks.

The brain isn’t designed to study for several hours without rest. When you take regular breaks, your mind has a chance to relax and process new information. Taking breaks will also help you remember much more from your study sessions.

6. Get enough sleep.

Teenagers need eight to 10 hours of sleep each night for healthy development, but research shows many get only 6.5 to 7.5 hours on average. Getting enough sleep can improve concentration, energy, and academic performance.

7. Set boundaries.

You don’t have to say “yes” to every club, sport, favor or friendly outing. Overloading your schedule can increase stress and make it harder to do your best. Give yourself room to breathe, recharge and focus on what matters most.

8. Study during your most productive hours.

Everyone's schedule is different. If you're more productive in the morning, dedicate that time to homework and major projects. If you work best in the evening, plan your study time later in the day. Whenever possible, work during your most productive hours while maintaining healthy habits.

9. Take an online course through BYU Independent Study or another provider.

Online courses can provide the flexibility to learn on your schedule and at your own pace. BYU Independent Study helps students balance academics with work, athletics, extracurricular activities, and other commitments. Most U.S. high schools accept BYU Independent Study courses for graduation credit, but always check with your counselor before registering.

10. Build consistent habits and routines.

Each of these strategies can help you make better use of your time, but consistency is what creates lasting results. Choose one or two ideas to start with and build them into daily habits.

Tyson K. of Florida was right on the edge of applying for a college major. Everything was lining up… until he spotted the problem.

One missing prerequisite.

Not just missing—completely full.

It felt like hitting a locked door right when he was supposed to walk through it. But good news, below is his story of success!

The Schedule Save

That’s when I found BYU Independent Study—and suddenly, that locked door had a side entrance. Instead of reshuffling my entire semester (and probably delaying my plans), I could take the prerequisite online and on my own time. No waitlists. No schedule gymnastics.

I kept my regular university classes and worked on my Independent Study course in the gaps—usually tucked into a corner of the library, headphones in, making progress one module at a time.

Flexibility That Actually Fits

The self-paced format made all the difference.

Between classes, sports, and trying to have something resembling a social life, my schedule wasn’t exactly wide open. With Independent Study, I could:

• Study when I had time, not when a class was scheduled 
• Move faster through concepts I understood 
• Slow down when things got more challenging 

It didn’t feel like I was adding another burden. It felt like I was taking control.

Real Support, Not Just a Checkbox

I expected the course to just “check the box” so I could move on.

But it turned out to be more than that.

When concepts got tough, free tutoring support helped me work through them (my tutors were real university students from Brigham Young University!). When I hit technical issues, help came quickly. There was always a sense that someone had my back—even in a fully online setting.

That made a huge difference. It turned a stressful situation into something manageable… even motivating.

More Than a Backup Plan

In the end, this wasn’t a last-minute fix. It was a smarter path forward.

I stayed on track for my major. I didn’t have to delay my plans. And I learned how to navigate challenges without everything falling apart.

Sometimes the best solutions aren’t the obvious ones—they’re the flexible ones that meet you where you are. And in this case, that made all the difference.

Senior year has a funny way of sneaking up on you.

One minute you’re cruising through classes, counting down to graduation… and the next, you realize you’re missing just one requirement. For Sondra J., it was an elective. Just one class standing between her and walking across that beautiful high school stage. Somehow, that tiny gap felt huge.

Cue the stress spiral. Here are some thoughts she recently shared with us about the experience.

The “One Class” Problem

I started scrambling. My schedule was already packed. Between school, work, and everything that comes with senior year, there wasn’t room to squeeze in another traditional class.

That’s when my counselor pointed me toward BYU Independent Study.

At first, I thought it might be complicated or time-consuming to get started. It wasn’t.

A Simple, Flexible Solution

The enrollment process was straightforward, and the course options were surprisingly broad. Instead of settling for “whatever fits,” I got to choose an elective that actually interested me.

Even better, the course was self-paced.

That meant I could:

• Work on assignments after school or on weekends
• Make progress in small chunks instead of long blocks
• Keep up with everything else in my life without falling behind

It didn’t feel like adding more stress—it felt like solving a problem.

Learning That Actually Works

I expected the course to be…average. Just something to get through.

But it ended up being genuinely engaging.

There were:

• Short, focused lessons that were easy to follow
• Interactive elements that kept things from feeling repetitive
• Practice opportunities that helped me actually understand the material

Instead of dragging myself to the finish line, I stayed motivated—and finished strong.

Support When It Matters

One thing that made a big difference was knowing I wasn’t on my own. When I had questions, instructors were there to help. That safety net made it easier to keep moving forward without getting stuck.

Crossing the Finish Line 

In the end, that “one missing class” turned into something more than a requirement.

It helped me:

• Stay on track for graduation
• Build confidence in managing my own schedule
• Prove to myself that I could adapt and figure things out

And now, instead of stressing about what I’m missing, I’m focused on what’s next.

If You’re in the Same Spot…

If you’re trying to finish graduation requirements but your schedule feels maxed out, there’s a way forward.

Flexible. Reliable. Actually doable.

Sometimes all it takes is one smart solution to turn stress into momentum—and get you across the stage right on time.

Reflections from Tanya W. 

I had a goal: keep moving forward in my college degree.

I also had a reality: summer was already spoken for. Travel plans, work shifts, and just enough sunshine to make sitting in a classroom feel like a missed opportunity.

At first, it felt like an either-or situation. Progress or flexibility. School or summer.

Then I found BYU Independent Study—and suddenly, it wasn’t a trade-off anymore.

Learning That Moves With You

Instead of trying to bend my life around a rigid schedule, I finally had something that bent with me. Courses were fully online and self-paced, which meant I could log in whenever I had a pocket of time:

• Waiting at the airport during a delay
• Sneaking in study time between work shifts
• Turning a quiet Saturday morning into something productive

It felt less like “going to school” and more like carrying it with me—like a backpack I could open whenever I was ready.

Not Your Typical Coursework

One of the biggest surprises? These courses didn’t feel like a slog.

Instead of endless pages of reading, I found a mix of:

• Short, engaging videos
• Practice quizzes that actually helped things stick
• Interactive elements (yes, even games) that made learning feel less like a chore

It kept my brain awake—and honestly, sometimes even curious (which is rare for summer studying).

Progress Without Pressure

There’s something different about learning when you’re not racing a clock. With the flexibility to move at my own pace, I could slow down when I needed to really understand something—and speed up when I was in the zone.

No stress about falling behind. No guilt about living life.

Just steady progress, one small window of time at a time.

The Best of Both Worlds

So yes, I still soaked up the summer—sun, travel, work, ice cream runs, all of it. But I also kept moving forward toward my degree.

And that’s the magic of it.

Whether you’re catching a breeze outside or catching a flight across the country, there’s a way to keep learning without putting your life on pause.

This summer, school didn’t compete with my plans—it fit right inside them.

🥁 Drum roll, please…

BYU Independent Study is excited to announce the launch of our new and improved website! Designed with students, parents, and counselors in mind, the updated site makes it easier than ever to explore courses, understand learning outcomes, and help students succeed.

Whether you’re planning ahead for upcoming coursework or looking for flexible learning options, the new website provides a clearer path to finding the right course.

Watch an overview video on our YouTube Channel:
 

What’s New on the BYU Independent Study Website

🌟 Clearer Course Navigation

Finding the right course is now faster and more intuitive. The redesigned layout helps you quickly browse high school offerings, compare course options, and review prerequisites with ease. Comprehensive course catalogs and improved filtering make it simple to locate exactly what your student needs.

📘 Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes (KSA) Focus

Many courses now highlight Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes (KSA) outcomes. In addition to learning core academic content, students develop valuable abilities such as critical thinking, communication, and problem solving. These outcomes help students grow not only academically but personally, preparing them for future education and life opportunities.

📍 Dedicated Parent Tools

Parents play an important role in a student’s success. The new website includes a Parent Portal designed to help families stay informed and involved. Parents can track progress, understand course expectations, and better support their student throughout the learning experience.

👩‍🏫 Course Series Discount

Families enrolling in a full course sequence can now save.

When a student enrolls in all parts of a course series—such as Algebra Part 1 and Part 2—they automatically receive a 10% discount on the bundled courses. This option makes it easier and more affordable to plan ahead for multi-part classes.

Why This Update Matters

The new BYU Independent Study website was built to make the enrollment and learning process simpler, clearer, and more supportive for families.

Whether your student needs:

• Core graduation credits
• Elective enrichment courses
• Flexible scheduling options
• Credit recovery opportunities

…the updated site makes it easier to explore options and take the next step with confidence.

We invite you to explore the new website and discover how BYU Independent Study can support your student’s learning journey.

As the world continues to evolve and technology advances at a rapid pace, fundamental business principles are everywhere.

Perhaps you want to get ahead of the curve and jump-start your career in the world of business. Or maybe developing a deeper understanding of core business principles, like budgeting, leadership and brand awareness, will make you more versatile and marketable to future employers. Whatever your goals may be, learning how businesses operate and how to make strategic decisions can help you thrive in today’s competitive world.

Understanding the Foundations of Business

Many areas of business contribute to the overall success and performance of a company. While this list isn’t all-inclusive, some of the most common fields include:

• Accounting – tracking, analyzing and reporting financial information to help businesses make smart decisions
• Finance – managing money, investments and financial planning to support a business’s growth
• Human Resources – recruiting, developing and supporting employees to build a strong and effective workforce
• Information Systems – combining technology and data to improve efficiency and support smarter decisions
• Marketing – identifying customer needs and promoting products or services to drive awareness and sales
• Supply Chain Management – overseeing the production and delivery of goods to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness

How BYU Independent Study Can Help

BYU Independent Study offers several introductory business courses to help you build a strong foundation and advance your career path. Because you can work at your own pace on your own timetable, you can balance work, school and other responsibilities while getting ahead.

Some of the business courses offered through BYU Independent Study include:

• ACC 200 – Principles of Accounting
• GSCM 211 - Introduction to Supply Chain Management in International Business
• HRM 300 – Organizational Behavior
• IS 201 – Introduction to Information Systems
• MKTG 201 – Marketing Management
• MSB 250 – Financial Management
• And many more!

With BYU Independent Study, you can gain valuable knowledge in key business fields while maintaining flexibility in your schedule. Whether you’re preparing for a business major or simply exploring new interests, these courses can help you take meaningful steps toward your future.

Explore the Hebrew Bible with greater clarity and depth. This three-part, non-credit series introduces the language behind the Old Testament, inviting both mind and spirit into deeper engagement with God’s Word.

Three Non-credit Courses. One Transformative Journey.

• Learn the foundations of Biblical Hebrew, beginning with the alphabet and vowel system
• Read biblical texts with growing confidence and understanding
• Gain richer spiritual and textual insight by engaging Scripture in its original language
• Earn digital badges and a certificate of completion

What to Know Before You Begin

• Designed for beginners. No prerequisites or prior Hebrew experience required
• $115 per course, fully online
• 14-day full refund guarantee
• Start anytime and learn at your own pace
• Offered for professional development as non-degree credit
• Earn a digital micro-credential badge for each completed course
• Complete all three courses to receive a certificate of completion

Begin a deeper encounter with Scripture today.