Are you getting ready to walk across the stage at graduation? It’s a long-awaited moment for any high school student, and, for many, it signifies the end of yet another chapter.
Senior year can be an exciting and stressful time. You may be brimming with excitement over what’s to come, but with that excitement often comes a lot of mixed emotions and confusion, too.
The last few months of high school are a great time to make some lasting memories, and to start thinking about what you want to do in your future. Here are some ways to make the most of your final high school months:
Stay Ahead of Graduation Deadlines
Almost no one knows the exact graduation date until close to the end of the semester. That means keeping an eye out for important dates and deadlines in order to make sure that you’re ready to go.
Research your colleges or universities of interest, and make sure that they’ve received all of the necessary and required documents and information. This means things like your requested testing scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. If you’re hoping to receive financial aid, apply for other scholarships and loans you may be eligible for, as well.
Take Some Last-Minute Classes
There may still be some elective courses or enrichment activities to take before graduation. Whether you’re looking to round out your transcript or just interested in a particular subject, taking on some extra learning may be a perfect way to make the most of your final semester.
For example, if you’ve been scared but fascinated by physics, this last semester might be a great time to take a few intro classes. Or, if you’re dying to show off your class president skills, why not take on being the last few months of student government leader?
Join School Clubs or Start Your Own
By your senior year, you probably have a good idea of what you enjoy and what bores you. If you’ve been curious about a particular club that meets on campus, now is the time to join!
Clubs and extracurricular activities not only offer you a chance to meet new people and try out new things, they also looks great on applications. Joining the newspaper or environmental club can be a great way to beef up your resume for colleges and future employers.
Start Planning for the Future
It’s okay to not have all of your plans in place. However, now is a great time to start thinking about your life after high school and the steps you’ll take to achieve it.
Whether you’re headed for college, the workforce, or something different altogether, one of the best things you can do for yourself during your final semester is to make a plan.
Start researching colleges, trade schools, or other programs. Go on a few campus visits and ask the necessary questions about qualifications, courses, and extracurricular activities. If you’re thinking about entering the workforce, start researching entry-level positions in your area and working toward a resume.
Start Putting Together a Memory Book
It’s cliché, but senior year really does go by in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, those last few months filled with memorable moments, friends, and memories will be over.
One way to ensure that you have something to remember the good times by is to put together a memory book. This can be the same as an actual scrapbook or even an online blog or journal where you can look back at all of the funny things that happened or awards or achievements you’d like to celebrate.
Make the Most of Senior Activities
Most high schools have some sort of senior activities or traditions during the final semester, such as a prom or graduation party.
Make the most of these different events! Go out of your way to take pictures, form new friendships, and take part in whatever activities or entertainment these events have to offer.
Seniors, graduation is closing in, so now is the time to make the most of your final months. Enjoy the moments, and start looking forward to the limitless opportunities on the other side.