It's been just over two months since I giddily painted the word "SE17IORS" onto my car window. Like most school years, expectations don't always align with reality. Here's what they don't tell you about senior year, illustrated by the most relatable thing possible – "High School Musical" gifs.

1. Senior year is a lot more difficult than junior year.

I remember back in the days, people would tell me, "Junior year is the worst! AP exams and every standardized test imaginable – it doesn't get much worse than that!"

Or perhaps even, "Junior year is the one that counts the most for college applications! Once you get through it, senior year is easy cruising from there."

I have never assumed anything more false in my life. Senior year, not even halfway through the first semester, has been the worst of all the high school years before it. Pardon my exaggerated negativity, but the delightful combination of drowning in college apps and a rigorous course-load is, well, absolutely horrid. Think juggling extracurriculars, academics and a social life was hard as a junior? Think again! Applying to college sometimes feels like a full-time job.

Why do they look so happy? It's a mystery to me.

2. Senior year grades still matter – quite a bit, in fact.

People are often under the impression that "senioritis" is acceptable from the get-go because colleges are only seeing your junior year grades. While that is true in a sense for Early Action or Early Decision schools, that isn't true when it comes to Regular Decision schools. So yes, while "slacking" seems fun, keeping consistent grades is still important in your senior year. Save the senioritis for second semester.

3. It's a bittersweet experience, so slow down because time flies.

"I can't wait for graduation!" (200 days and counting, just in case you're wondering)

But at the same time, every moment becomes a "last." These contradicting sentiments essentially characterize senior year.

The last time I'll run in a cross country meet. The last time I'll make the mistake of trying the mysterious-looking soup in the cafeteria. The last time I'll find myself locked out of a building because I forgot my key card. The last time I'll go to the high school homecoming dance. And the list goes on.

4. You cherish your friendships more than ever.

You start to realize that the friends you've had by your side for the past four years (or even more) are most likely not going to be going to the same college as you are. These are the same people that, up until now, have gotten you through the trials of life – the gossip, the drama, the stress – you name it; they were there. They've seen you at your awkward-est, best and worst. You'll probably be a couple hundred miles apart. You can't imagine life without them, and yet, you're going to have to – but that only makes you love them more.