Senior year is one of the most exciting years of life, but also a major turning point. It’s the time when most milestone happen, and it’s also the last time many things will be familiar. Here are the ten things I wish I knew before my senior year.
Finding Academic Balance is Important
During the first two years of high school, it’s common to put a lot of effort into academics and not much else. However, senior year is the time when honors, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the college applications start to take over. It’s important to figure out how to balance academics and extra-curricular activities, as it plays a key role in college admission essays, scholarship qualifications, and overall high school achievement.
Start Planning for College Early
School counselors and parents may seem like they are pushing students to start thinking about college as early as junior year, but the later senior year comes around, the costlier and less calm things become. Everything from housing, to college test score deadlines, to transferring dual-enrollment credits becomes much more difficult and [expensive](https://evenfinancial.com/partnersherpa/?utm_source=SERP&utm_medium=online&network=google&campaign=Brand&creative=evenfinancial&keyword=evenfinancial-ap-2%20%2Bpartn&matchtype=&adgroupid=16609274897&adpos=&utm_content=&id=FsxpSCU8FExJod7kkarA5Vm-Nl08ol4v9TVVukfv7TPrn0uIpJXD2wUg8KQd5wdKHmzwisV8kJndG5aU4qZQY3xNWbUaVisnE0PlWP6Ore2jTepxeoSxVh30bH_Mp2afjLbUzarHolYN5x6XO7e618uXc2uGtSiS_jrne7IUWgs8V1HBsW3WDx_zhv9_fMIJru&placement=serp&keyword=evenfinancial-ap-2): by senior year, all High School students should have a good idea of what college they plan to attend, as well as a rough idea of financial aid options.
Talk to Teachers About Grade Swaps
Every senior should take the time to [meet with their teachers](https://www.kidsworldfun.com/), guidance counselors, and assistant principals at the beginning of their senior year to discuss any loopholes and grade swaps, whether it be for athletic purposes or to update certain courses into weighted ones. Many high school students overlook the powerful connections professionals in the school have with college admissions boards and advanced classes. Senior year offers students the ability to truly create their last few memories of professional relationships within the high school staff.
Get Involved in School Events Early On
For many high school students, high schoolers is a kind of limbo – they want to enjoy it but have to empty their minds in order to move forward. However, the beginning of senior year is the best time to begin participating in school activities, especially leadership roles. Whether it be making announcements, serving as a representative, participating in sports or clubs, or helping with fundraisers, getting involved early on can help maximize college application essays, resumes, and potentially even scholarships.
Save, Save, Save (And Then Save Some More)
Between senior pictures and senior trips, graduation weekends, class rings, and end-of-the-year celebrations, senior year is without a doubt the most expensive year for students and their families. All students should make it a priority to save their money from the beginning of senior year, especially considering that they are often at their most mature and can land good after-school jobs. Additionally, students should also be on the lookout and take full advantage of scholarship opportunities, including the [College Board’s Scholarship Search website](https://preparationandlearning.coursesites.com/?sr=ap2_partn&enl=Y#utm_source=SERP&utm_medium=online&network=google&campaign=Brand&creative=evenfinancial&keyword=evenfinancial-ap-2%20%2Bpartn&matchtype=&adgroupid=16609274897&adpos=&utm_content=&id=FsxpSCU8FExJod7kkarA5Vm-Nl08ol4v9TVVukfv7TPrn0uIpJXD2wUg8KQd5wdKHmzwisV8kJndG5aU4qZQY3xNWbUaVisnE0PlWP6Ore2jTepxeoSxVh30bH_Mp2afjLbUzarHolYN5x6XO7e618uXc2uGtSiS_jrne7IUWgs8V1HBsW3WDx_zhv9_fMIJru&placement=serp&keyword=evenfinancial-ap-2).
Don’t Overlook Community Service Opportunities
Community service plays an important role in most student applications. Many colleges and scholarships require that students complete a particular number of community service hours in order to qualify. Students should take advantage of the beginning of senior year to research and explore volunteer opportunities in the area, as well as seek out scholarships that require community service.
Be Careful with Your Actions and Words
Taking on a leadership role in any school is quite a fulfilling experience, yet students should be careful to avoid unnecessary controversy. Parents often see the respect from the peers the say of it can bring and use it as motivation for students to become class officers. Senior year is the year when people are often most focused on the future, as well as have desires to avoid potential damage to their college applications or references.
Exercise Time Management Skills
The year’s characteristic lackadaisical attitude is one sure-fire way that students can find themselves feeling stressed out when it comes time to figure out the future. Beginning the year with the intention of managing time, using after-school hours to complete assignments, staying informed of upcoming events, and dedicating time to relaxation will help conclude their high schoolsuccessfully.
Be Selective With Friends
Senior year is truly the last stage of clarity when it comes to choosing friends. The end of Senior year marks the end of an era, the time when high school students must move away from their friends and (sometimes) family. Begin senior year with the intention of surrounding oneself with positive, kind, and rigorously determined people – the ones who will encourage succeeding and aid in leaving only the most successful memories.
Remember to Enjoy Every Second
Sometimes the excitement of the year can become clouded with the frustrations of constant change and looming future. This last stage is the time to truly make the most of the rest of the year, to take advantage of the opportunities, and to have fun with the friends. Each senior should take the time to appreciate every second good or bad.
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