Senior year is one of the most highly anticipated times of a student’s life. Several impactful choices are made and it is crucial that juniors are as prepared as possible for upcoming decisions. Below are advice and tips the class of 2018 has learned through their experiences.

1. TRY to enjoy the moment

Seniors are often told to live in the moment and enjoy every aspect of high-school because it will soon be gone. This is easier said than done. The entire year you are constantly experiencing stress, making plans, and discussing your future while simultaneously trying to enjoy the phase you are in before it is gone. It is easy to get caught up in your future and forget to look around and appreciate the present. Try your hardest to enjoy this stage of life before it is gone.

2.  Plan ahead

The more you know regarding your future plans before the year begins, the better. Choose which colleges in which you are interested  during the summer and apply as soon as applications open. Once you have been accepted and chosen the college you wish to attend, make sure you apply early for housing and orientation in order to get what is best for you. It is helpful to create a timeline of everything you must complete in order to be successfully enrolled at your college of choice.

3. Stay organized

Keep your scholarship information, applications, and forms in one safe spot. Being organized is key for success. You are not always given extra applications or forms if you misplace your original copy. Being organized helps the college application process smooth and manageable. 

4. Check your email and grades often

Deadlines and senior information are sent to your email almost daily. Check it at least once every morning and afternoon so you can stay up to date and be aware of deadlines. Checking your grades in iNow is important to track your success and notice mistakes or missing grades before it is too late.

5.  Prioritize

Some days you are going to be overwhelmed with work. It is crucial that you prioritize which assignments are going to take more time or are due sooner. You will also have to prioritize between work, relaxation, extracurriculars, hanging out with friends, and school work. Plan and use time efficiently to avoid getting overwhelmed.

6.  It is fine to need a break

If you are overwhelmed by work, assignments, relationships, etc. it is fine to take a break!  Go for a walk, take a brief power nap, or watch a short TV show. It is completely normal to need a moment for yourself, especially when you are in a whirlwind of college planning and pre-cal.  homework.

7. Do not procrastinate

This is very common among high-schoolers; however, senior year deadlines are very important. Turn in forms and applications as soon as you can. The quicker you can take care of deadlines, the more time and effort you can invest into current classes and assignments. Missing deadlines could result in not going to the college of your choice or not receiving the scholarships you could have if you had managed your time more wisely.