Dear New Seniors of High School Everywhere -
Welcome to the hardest year of your entire life. I’m sure you’ve heard it all before, that you still need to work hard and not let “senioritis” get to you. I thought I had heard it all, but the advice people gave me didn’t even chip the iceberg of things I wish I knew going into senior year. There may be some repeats, but I’m going to try to hit on some things I wish people had told me.
1. Finish the common app over the summer. Seriously.
A lot of school don’t open their applications until a couple weeks into school, but the Common Application on http://www.commonapp.org is open already. By finishing this over the summer where free time is more of an option, you are taking away a lot of stress for the first few weeks of school. And that stress will make a big difference, I promise.
2. Write 2-3 Options for college essays.
In the end, a college essay is a story about your life. The college uses it as a way to get to know your character, your struggles, your achievements and how you write. Don’t try to fit every achievement into one essay because it won’t be one coherent story. Instead write a snapshot. Not to toot my own horn, but my English teacher said I had a great college essay and I got into every school I applied to. If you want an example or an editor, just email me! pgirl1102@yahoo.com
3. Invest in a wall calendar.
Unfortunately, the only dates that colleges seem to agree on are the date you have to commit by, May 1st. Other than that, it’s all a toss-up. Some schools early option is November 1st, while some schools final deadline is December 1st. It’s really worth it to have a big calendar above your desk to be a constant reminder of how much time you have left. DON’T PROCRASTINATE. It doesn’t matter if you have to put off a date or hanging out with friends, this is your future. Enjoy your social life, but get done what you need to first.
4. Early acceptance or normal acceptance?
Don’t stress about which date you choose, just make sure you make one of them. You don’t want to be the guy posting on the college’s Facebook page in July asking when the due date is for applications (No really, this happened at my school). In reality it’s whenever you are ready. Most schools have exclusively said that there is not a higher acceptance rate for either one. The early acceptance option is really for people who just want to get rid of the looming stress of it. That’s what I did because I didn’t want to be working and stressed over Thanksgiving and Christmas break.
5. Local scholarships are key.
I spent a lot of time applying to national scholarships that I really had no chance of winning. As negative as that sounds, I didn’t have a great enough story to get national attention to win a Pepsi or Foot Locker scholarship. In most of them I was out in the first round, and I would like to think I am a decent student and writer. My time was much better spent doing local ones that my school offered through local organizations.
6. FAFSA.
Last year I couldn’t submit the FAFSA until January 1st, but this year the program has moved the date up to October 1st. DO THIS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. The program only has so much money to give, and the earlier you apply, the better your chances. Do it with your parents because there are a lot of questions you won’t be able to answer. Make sure to do it right the first time because edits are a serious pain.
7. Retake standardized testing.
I hate standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, but I really do wish I had taken them more seriously. Colleges do look at them closely and judge you on them. It can’t be based on who you are and if you deserve the spot or scholarship, it’s about numbers. Your essay helps, but shoot for a high number on these. I took the SAT twice, and I should have taken it a third time. Don’t sell yourself short because you don’t want to waste a Saturday morning. The feeling you’ll get when you get 300-400 points higher the next test will be worth the early morning.
8. Ask for recommendation letters early.
Teachers have limited time. With their school work they have to prepare, give and correct, their family and social lives, they don’t have unlimited time for recommendation letters. Go in and ask the first or second day of senior year if you have not already. And if they do, bring a small token of appreciation after like baked goods or even a coffee in the morning. A good letter of recommendation takes planning and the execution, after a certain amount of time, teachers will have to say no. Don’t be the student put in that position.
*Also know what your colleges need. One of mine needed a letter from someone who is not a family member, friend, teacher or employer. That takes time to figure out.
9. Have a part time job.
Simply put, you will want spending money when you get to school. If you have to pay for books, a new laptop, or any other expenses, graduation money won’t cover that. It’s not fun to work over the summer, but find a job you could try to enjoy. I nanny and love it. Try one of the jobs from this list if you don’t know where to start! https://www.theodysseyonline.com/11-jobs-you-can-g...
10. Join a volunteer club.
Volunteer hours look really good on applications, and they can make you feel really good about what you’re doing. You don’t have to go as far as Mission Trips if you’re not comfortable, but many schools have clubs like Key Club and Interact Club. These are made for students to make a difference in the community. It helps you with your college application, and the community around you. (Plus these clubs gave out sashes to wear with caps and gowns, and everyone wants a little gear with your cap and gown to look distinguished).
11. Find a crew for senior week activities.
By the end of high school, you may find that you have many friends who are in different grades and in different friend circles. Senior week or senior activities will be a lot more fun if you don’t have to worry about who you are sitting with at lunches. If your friends are spread around in different groups, find a place you are happy and have a lot of fun. It was at nice for me to have a group of 10-12 good friends that I planned to have a great time with during and after the school hours.
12. You’re not too cool to go to senior activities.
DON’T BE THE GUY THAT SAYS THE ACTIVITIES ARE LAME BEFORE THEY HAPPEN. They very well may be, they have to be approved by school boards and all parents to happen. But any boring situation can be made fun with incredible friends. For example, one trip was three hours away for my school, and with traffic it turned into four and a half hours. It should have been miserable, but we spent the ride talking and learning more about each other. As cheesy as it is, don’t let your pride or popularity get in the way of making final memories with your high school class.
13. Keep an open mind.
I met more friends during senior week then I did all senior year. Once you pass sophomore year and all of the core classes, it’s easy to lose opportunities to make friends because you’re in classes with all the people on the same tracks as you. It was incredible, meeting so many new people in my high school class that I barely knew in one week. So spend the whole year like such, meeting new people and putting yourself out there. You might be a senior, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still friends to make.
14. Make someone’s day.
As cheesy as this one is, everyone’s struggling senior year. The girl who you thought was a child genius can’t afford her dream school, even though she got in. The boy who is incredible at sports got denied playing on any team in college. The rich girl has gotten denied from every school, so even though she has the money, she can’t. When someone’s upset, whether you like them or not don’t talk crap about anyone’s situation. In reality, in most cases, you don’t know their story. In this year everyone has struggles outside of GPA and homework. So be gentle on your classmates during a bad day, and maybe even throw random compliments to strangers. You’ll be surprised how good it will make you feel when someone’s teary eyes light up because of what you said to them.
15. Don’t wish away the days.
My AP psychology teacher, Mr. Bodi, told us from the first day of school that it was inevitable to wish the days away. “It’s what seniors do,” he said. But he begged us not to, because no matter how much we hated high school, in the end we would at LEAST feel reminiscent. I really wish I had listened. High school can suck. Teachers can be mean, and grades can be unfair. Math is terrible no matter what level you’re in, and no one wants to do work after midterms are over. But stop and smell the roses. There is still 25% of your high school career yet. Don’t spend the whole time wishing that you are already in college. Just appreciate the last quarter of your childhood. I promise, you won’t regret it if you put yourself out there.
Make yourself uncomfortable. Join a club or sports team even if none of your friends do it with you. Direct a school musical, or hell even step into the spotlight. We all know the theater department could use more bodies. Tell the person you’ve always liked that you do even if it doesn’t work out. He may even end up taking you to prom. Put yourself out there. It’s not over until you toss your caps in the air.
So from a 2016 graduate, make good choices, change the world, and meet a new friend. Don’t forget to thank your family and friends every day for the support they provide you, because this year would be impossible alone. Senior year is awesome, live in it and don’t let it just be an “I wish I had…”
Good luck.
