You're finally seniors! As the end of your high school career arrives, you have to apply to colleges (if you plan to attend college) and prepare for the future. Most importantly, you have to remember to have fun. Here are eight pieces of advice I wish somebody told me when I was a senior.
1. Don't sign up for an extremely heavy course load (unless you are absolutely sure you can handle it)
When I was a senior I was taking seven APs. Were all of those APs necessary? Not really. I could have taken four and still gotten done with my general education requirements, since I took AP classes the years before.
2. Sign up for classes that interested you, but you didn't have the chance to take before.
Following up, take classes you find interesting. Perhaps you didn't have the chance to sign up for these classes in past years. You do now. If your high school offers a variety of options for electives, take advantage of them. They will most likely be the highlight of your high school career.
3. Get your recommendations early.
You are asking a teacher for scholarship or college recommendations. Chances are other students or peers may be asking that teacher as well. There are only so many personalized recommendations teachers can write. Ask for them early so you receive the best recommendation possible.
4. Don't procrastinate on your college essays.
Don't procrastinate. Maybe you can for other papers, but not for this. This is vital to your future. An essay can make world of difference. It can influence the amount of scholarship you receive. It can even affect whether or not you are accepted.
5. Hang out with friends.
Some of these people you will never see again after you part ways for college. That is the sad truth. Make time to hang out with your friends and create everlasting memories. Remember, they survived high school with you.
6. Take time to relax.
This may be the end of your high school career, but that doesn't mean your health needs to suffer. There may be a lot you want to do in a short amount of time, but remember to get some sleep. Don't overload yourself with responsibilities. You'll have plenty of that in college.
7. Go to school dances and events.
I never went to any school dance before my senior year. Though I didn't entirely like homecoming, I loved prom. I think both dances were worthwhile to go to, however. You won't be able to experience the same exact thing in college.
8. Have fun.
Yes, this last piece is a little redundant but I believe it is one of the most important. People forget to have fun all the time. This is your senior year. You deserve to have some fun after all the hard work you have done.
Was there anything you think I missed? What would you add to this list?
