(this is an archive story, refer to following byline for author name)
By Aimee Monnett
Senior year is undoubtedly the most crucial time in a student’s high school career. The finalization of grades and GPAs, the closing of a chapter before moving on to bigger and better things. This year, there is a lot that students must cover to prepare for their futures- which often seems overwhelming. Here are some things to keep in mind in preparation!
1.) Save up- practice budgeting and smart spending habits before senior year.
One of the biggest points of stress in senior year is the financial aspects. If you are a student who actively attends AP classes with the end-of-year test or those taking dual credit through TCC you can most likely relate. Those fees for testing or paying for TCC classes can add up quickly. And these are not even close to the only financial factor. There is also the cost of prom- tickets, outfits, all of the necessary preparations as well as the cost of cap and gown, any additional tassels or add-ons, yearbooks, class merchandise and more. So, a big favor you can do yourself prior to senior year is practicing saving and budgeting- it really helps.
2.) Accept teacher/administration help.
There are a lot of things in senior year that students are just not going to know how to cover on their own- the TAFSA/ FAFSA, scholarships applications, or where to attend college even. There are ins and outs to universities that sometimes get misconstrued. However, there are college advisors that are here to help! Learning to take initiative and seek that guidance where you need it can seem daunting, but is absolutely necessary.
3.) Get into the habit of using calendars or planners.
Senior year moves fast. By way of illustration, in the month of May, the schedule for seniors is hectic. With senior finals on May the 11 and 12, senior celebrations throughout the final 2 weeks, cap and gown pickup, graduation practice on the 26 and that final ceremony on the 27. One way to counteract this is to stay ahead of the dates and deadlines. Be mindful of what is coming and prepare for it. This helps not only with important events but grades, which is also an important factor. Raising your GPA as much as possible before the closing of senior year can really be beneficial, so take advantage of the time you have.
4.) Learn to create a balance.
While school is important, there are often a lot of things students try to manage on top of academics. This might include jobs, volunteer work, academic competitions, driver’s education, and more. Be mindful of what you have time for overall- another of the biggest points of stress is students trying to get active in programs they can’t manage into their schedule. Do what works for you and what you feel you can handle. It is better to be actively involved in a few clubs and activities than just attending a lot. The same principle applies to classes and coursework. Attending many AP classes will not help your GPA nearly as much if you get behind and are struggling to pass because you have taken on too much.
5.) Take periods to prioritize mental health.
With the stresses of senior year and the challenges faced over the last 2 years, things can easily feel pretty overwhelming. Remember that while all of these aspects are important, it is always ok to take a breath or a break if needed, as long as you jump back onto things when you feel you’re ready.
Overall, there is a lot that students go through and learn throughout their final year of high school. There is a lot that changes, and with that change comes growth! The best we can do as students is make sure that we grow in positive ways.