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High school is a pivotal time for students, filled with academic and personal growth. Among the four years, one is often considered the most challenging: junior year.

Many students find junior year particularly tough due to increased academic demands, the pressure to score high on standardized tests, and the time needed to spend researching and applying to college.

Keep reading to learn more on why junior year is often considered the hardest year in high school.

Why Every Year Matters

While many say junior year is the hardest year of high school, that’s not an excuse to cruise through the other three years.

Freshman and sophomore year are building opportunities. In these two years, many students will take prerequisite courses and join extracurriculars they’ll carry out the rest of their high school career.

As a freshman, students will have to adjust to high school and its academic rigor. Getting good grades and getting involved in activities during the first two years of high school can help set the pattern for the next two years.

And, many students may claim that senior year is the time to sit back and take it easy. But, letting grades slide in senior year can spell trouble for plans post graduation. Admission to college, even if already granted, could be rescinded if a senior underperforms in their final year.

Recommended: 11 Ways to Prepare for High School Graduation

Why Junior Year Can Be the Most Challenging

A student’s junior year has its own set of unique challenges and hardships. Here’s what can make junior year tougher than the rest:

Course Load

Junior year is the time to shine before students apply to college. It’s the last full academic year of grades a university will receive before deciding to accept or reject a student. Students may elect to take their most challenging course load during their junior year to show colleges that they’re capable of academic rigor.

Some students may be enrolled in advanced placement (AP) courses. AP classes give high school students the chance to prepare for college by tackling college-level material while still in high school. At the end of an AP course, students can choose to take the AP exams. Scores from those tests may grant students college credits so they can skip out of basic courses in their first years on campus.

Junior year can be an academic step-up for high school students if they decide to take advanced classes. In addition to harder classes, there’s a pressure to get good grades in them because it can be an indicator of performance for colleges.

Tests

On top of AP tests, juniors have more key tests to prepare for. Each test comes with its own strategies and approaches, meaning specialized study and prep. A junior might prepare for and take these tests during the year:

AP Tests: As mentioned above, if a student decides to take an AP course, they can choose to take the corresponding AP test, as well.

PSAT/NMSQT: Students can take the Preliminary SAT or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as early as their sophomore year of school, but many take it their junior year. The PSAT/NMSQT has two sections; math, and reading/writing. Scores for each section fall between 160 and 760.

Offered in October each year, the PSAT doesn’t impact college admissions like the SAT, but it can help students qualify for National Merit Scholarships if they receive a certain score. Students are not required to take the PSAT test, but it can be one way to prepare for the SATs and potentially qualify for scholarships.

SAT/ACT: Scores from either the SAT or ACT test are required by many colleges for admission. But, even if they’re not required by a college, a strong SAT or ACT score can help give a student a leg up in the application process.

Most high school students choose to take the SAT or ACT tests in the spring of their junior year or the fall of senior year. Both tests have certain quirks and strategies associated with them, so the key to getting a great score may mean months of preparation.

College prep

Juniors not only have more academic pressure on them and tests to prepare for, but many will add college prep to their extracurriculars. Whether that means spending weekends touring campuses or researching schools at night, finding a school that’s the right fit can take up a considerable amount of time.

There’s no one way to ensure the right fit for all students. Some may choose a campus based on their desired degree, whereas others choose a campus for proximity to home or budget. No matter the motivator, finding the right school can take time.

Recommended: “College vs University“

The Takeaway

Junior year challenges students to juggle their extracurricular activities, rigorous academic classes, and standardized testing on top of applying for college. Figuring out a way to pay for college shouldn’t be another challenge. As early as junior year, students can start considering the cost of college and the ways to pay for it.

Taking time to learn about student loans during college prep can help give juniors a better sense of what lies ahead of them. After applying for federal loans and aid, they might need to evaluate additional options to pay for their tuition. That could mean saving for college by picking up a part-time or summer job or researching scholarships or grants that can help pay tuition. It’s important a student knows their full menu of options to pay for school before committing to any single strategy.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What is the most crucial year in high school?

Junior year (11th grade) is often considered the most crucial year in high school. It’s when students take standardized tests, maintain grades for college applications, and start researching and visiting colleges. Strong academic performance during this year significantly impacts college admissions decisions.

Why is junior year the hardest year in high school?

Junior year is often the hardest in high school due to increased academic demands, including advanced courses and standardized testing like the SAT or ACT. Students face pressure to maintain high grades for college applications while balancing extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and planning for their future.

What is the easiest year in high school?

Freshman year is generally considered the easiest year in high school because students are adjusting to the new environment and typically take introductory-level courses. The academic and extracurricular pressures are usually lighter compared to later years, allowing students to gradually acclimate to the increased expectations of high school life.

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Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 04/24/2024 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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Mobile banking is getting more popular as consumers embrace what can be a quick, convenient, and safe way to do their everyday banking. In fact, a recent survey by the American Bankers Association and Morning Consult found that 48% of respondents said that a banking app is their top way to manage the money in their accounts.

As usage climbs, you may wonder, is mobile banking safe? You’re not alone. According to SoFi’s April 2024 Banking Survey of 500 U.S. adults, 42% of people are somewhat or very concerned about the security of their online bank accounts. For the most part, the answer is yes. Online banks typically do everything they can to keep your data safe. But you can protect yourself by learning about key security risks and simple ways to protect yourself from fraud and other threats. Read on to learn the details.

Is Mobile Banking As Safe As Online Banking?

At its simplest, mobile banking consists of financial transactions made through the use of a mobile device, such as a cell phone or tablet. Transactions range from simple ones, like signing up to have your bank send you informational text messages, to the more complex, such as paying bills, sending money to other people, receiving funds, and others.

Not all internet-based banking transactions are mobile ones. The difference between mobile banking and online banking is that mobile banking is a form of online banking — however, it’s not the only type. You could, for example, conduct financial transactions on your home computer as well. That would be known as online banking, which has become quite popular — 74% of people in SoFi’s survey use online banking at least several times a week.

Whether conducting transactions via an app on your phone or web page on your laptop, it’s important to know that typically both forms of digital financial management employ state-of-the-art security protocols. Online and mobile banking should keep you well protected (as is true for mobile payment apps). For instance, they use encryption to protect sensitive data, make regular software updates, and may offer biometric authentication (especially true for mobile banking), among other security measures.

Mobile Banking Risks To Be Aware Of

Mobile banking is typically simple, convenient, and safe, but it’s important to consider potential issues, as well.. Being aware of them is often the first step in avoiding them.

Your Device Could Be Stolen

Sadly, it’s a common occurrence for mobile devices to be stolen. If this happens, it’s possible that your banking apps could be accessed, especially if you don’t have adequate security features enabled or use an obvious password, such as “password123.”

Your Account Could Be Hacked

Another risk is that hackers could access your bank accounts. This can happen via a malware download or other methods. Once this occurs, the hackers can remotely gain information like your passwords and get into your cash.

There Could Be a Data Breach

There could be a security issue in which hackers tap find a security vulnerability at a particular financial institution or network of them and then access your personal information. While most financial institutions prioritize their clients’ security, this kind of event can still occur.

You Could Be Scammed

You may have heard about the kinds of bank fraud and scams circulating. They change frequently, but you might receive a text message, phone call, or email from your financial institution that looks valid, asking you to authenticate your account or change a password. If it’s from a scammer, they can get access to your accounts this way. Unfortunately, these scams have gotten very sophisticated, and it can be extremely difficult to discern what’s a fake form of outreach from what is legitimate.

Mobile Banking Safety Tips

To make sure you’re using your bank’s mobile tools in the safest way possible, follow these safety tips:

1. Create a Strong Password

Use strong passwords to protect your personal information. Passwords should be long — the longer, the better — so hackers have a harder time using code-breaking software to crack it. Strong passwords should contain a random mix of letters, numbers, and special symbols. They should also use a mix of capital and lowercase letters, and they should not contain any personal information or words you’d find in the dictionary.

Weak passwords are those that are easy to guess. As an obvious example, don’t use the word “password” as your login. Another example of a weak password would be your name and birth year, which is information that hackers can easily find. Also, don’t reuse your passwords. Come up with a fresh one every time.

2. Avoid Using Public Wifi

Another important mobile banking security tip is to be very cautious about using public wifi. If you must use it, try to use a secured network whenever possible that requires a password to sign in. If a secured network is unavailable, the next best thing is an unsecured network that requires login information of some sort.

That said, whenever you’re using public wifi, do not access your bank account or any other sensitive personal information. You could be jeopardizing the security of those credentials.

Also, turn off settings on your devices that allow automatic connectivity, which could permit your computer or mobile device to connect to a network that you would otherwise want to avoid. Be sure to monitor your Bluetooth connections as well, since Bluetooth can allow other devices to connect directly to yours.

3. Use Your Bank’s Official App

Another tip to stay safe with mobile banking is to download your bank’s official app versus logging in via your browser. When you do so, be on the lookout for possible fakes. Pay attention to the developer of the app, and also look to see if there are any other apps with the same or similar names. If possible, download the app directly from your bank’s website. Otherwise, use a reliable app store.

Your bank should also be able to offer you information about their app, including the app’s security features and what information you’ll need to access it. Once you’ve downloaded the official app, conduct your mobile banking on the app instead of through a web browser, which may be less secure.

4. Don’t Save Login Information in Your Browser

Some web browsers give you the option to save your username and password within the browser — never do this for your online and mobile banking. If your phone is ever lost or stolen, this could make it easy for hackers to access your bank account.

If you’re worried about remembering your password — especially if you’re being safe and you’ve come up with a complicated one — consider using a reputable password manager. These apps can manage usernames and passwords for multiple websites and applications, and have safety features in place to protect this information from hackers.

5. Use Two-Factor Authentication

One security measure being used by many financial institutions today is two-factor authentication, which requires users to provide at least two forms of identification, such as their password and a fingerprint, when accessing their account.

Alternatively, in addition to a password, the second piece of authentication could be a numeric code that the user requests and receives via text. This code can only be used one time, preventing it from having value to hackers in the future.

Two-factor authentication vastly improves security on your phone, though it’s still possible that hackers and those intent on committing bank fraud could intercept authentication information sent to you via text or email.

6. Use Activity Monitoring

Your bank may offer you the ability to sign up for alerts for all sorts of account activities, from mobile deposits and withdrawals to wire transfers. This type of activity monitoring or user activity tracking can also boost security.

Your bank can send you quick alerts when they detect possible fraudulent activity. They may be able to send your alert via text, email, or even directly through the bank’s app. You’ll then have the opportunity to confirm or dismiss potentially fraudulent activity, allowing your bank to act swiftly on your behalf if necessary.

7. Beware of Phishy Links

Phishing scams are one of the most common forms of cyber fraud. They work by tricking individuals into giving away private information. For example, scammers might send an email that looks like it’s from your bank or a business you’ve recently been in contact with. These emails might include a link that, once clicked upon, will install a virus on your device that can gather personal data.

As noted above, these can be very convincing. Gone are the days of easy giveaways, such as typos. Be wary of phishing scams, and never open links in email or text if you aren’t 100% sure of their origin. Remember, you can always call your bank or other places of business, and should do so if you suspect a phishing scam. They can let you know whether or not they sent the email.

8. Always Log Out

When you’re done using your mobile banking app, be sure to log out to protect your information. Luckily, many banking apps will do this for you automatically; say, after you monitor your checking account to make sure the balance isn’t too low. That said, you also may want to log out of any app that might contain personal information, such as your email, social media, or mobile wallet, when you’re done using them. If your phone got lost or stolen, you’d want to make it as difficult as possible for criminals to access this information.

Recommended: How to Avoid ATM Fees

Mobile Banking Safety Measures

Here’s a little more intel about mobile banking that may be reassuring if you have concerns about security. Whether traditional or online banks, most of these institutions have invested hundreds of millions of dollars into cybersecurity in an effort to protect consumers’ accounts. They’ve put into place security measures such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption, automatic logout, antivirus and anti-malware programming, firewalls, multi-factor authentication, and biometric and/or facial recognition technology.

Using these measures is also an effort to protect themselves from cyber threats. Under the Federal Reserve’s Regulation E, consumers are only liable for the first $50 lost due to unauthorized access to their account, as long as they report the activity within two days. Their bank is responsible for any loss over that amount.

If you’re unsure what measures your bank takes to protect your data, it’s reasonable to ask for more information. If you’re not satisfied with the answer, you may consider exploring other options.

Recommended: 7 Ways to Make Money With Interest

The Takeaway

As you can see, banks make an effort to make mobile banking safe. Plus, you can take additional steps yourself to further ensure mobile banking security, such as creating a strong password, using your bank’s official app, and keeping an eye out for any phishing attempts. When you’re choosing a bank, however, it’s still important to consider what security measures it has in place, along with other features such as fees and interest rates.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2025 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to Direct Deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit.

Separately, SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days can also earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. For additional details, see the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.

Members without either Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, or who do not enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days, will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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