Your Senior Year: The High School End Run
May 18, 2009 | StudentStuff Staff
With three years of high school behind you and college looming on the horizon, your senior year can be one of anticipation and frustration. Some cite a morose feeling during their senior year, in which motivation is not easy to come by. It’s an affliction most commonly referred to as senioritis. Though you may be tempted to succumb to a case of senioritis, keep in mind that your senior year is a critical part of your high school education and will have a tremendous effect on your college performance. So what can you do to make the most of your final year in high school? Lucky for you we have some suggestions.
Class Action
If you’re looking to cruise through your senior year in easy classes, think again. Just because you’ve worked hard these past three years doesn’t mean you should relax. Fact is, college is going to be challenging and having a solid academic foundation is crucial to success. If you can put yourself in Advanced Placement classes, also known as AP, go for it. These types of classes can prepare you for college level courses and may even earn you college credit. If you’ve already chosen a major, see if you can do some preliminary studying in that area. Some high schools have partnerships with local community colleges and offer college-level classes that can also be used to gain college credit. You can check into internship opportunities as well. Just remember that increasing your commitments can be overwhelming and you shouldn’t let your grades slip. Colleges will review your senior year performance and they can withdraw their acceptance if your grades are not up to par.
Cramming for College
Of course, you’ll be spending a good part of your senior year getting ready for the big high school to college transition. Part of that process is choosing the right school. Schedule time to you’re your standardized tests before December, visit campuses, fill out applications, and stay on target. This is also the time to figure out your financial aid situation. If you are seeking aid gather all of the application materials and get the ball rolling. You can also consider any scholarship opportunities and send in the necessary application documents.
The Last Hurrah
Don’t forget to have fun. Sure you want to keep up the good work, but you should also take some time to enjoy the little things. Going off to college means you’ll be moving away from friends. Distance can put a strain on your relationships, so spend some quality time with your pals before the end of the year. Savor the moments you have together, because college will be life-changing for many students and the friendships you had in high school don’t always survive. Plan an excursion like a road trip or throw an end of the year party with just your crowd—and don’t forget to take lots of photos.
Maintaining a Balance
The lethargy and lack of motivation that are the main symptoms of senioritis can also be fought with exercise and nutrition. Maintain a good diet, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly. We also suggest you stay active on and off campus with extra curricular activities and volunteering. If you do feel like you’re losing interest, talk with your counselor or teachers to get re-motivated in a particular subject. If you are taking on a job during your senior year you’ll be compounding the pressures and time constraints, so do your best to maintain a healthy balance that won’t sacrifice your grades.
In the end, your senior year is a time to reflect on your achievements, delight in your friendships, and plan for a future that is brimming with possibility.
