After three years of the high school experience, everything seems to culminate in senior year. All the work you put into your transcript will be sent to the colleges of your dreams and the unexpected friendships you’ve made are stronger than ever before. Yet, there is more pressure to step up and serve as an example for underclassmen. Here are some frequently asked questions on how to thrive despite the stress.
How Do I Balance College Applications?
Whether you are applying to two schools or 20, getting your applications done early is the key to success. Especially if you are one of those students who plans to apply to a double-digit number of colleges, the supplemental essays can add up quickly, so writing them all feverishly on the night of Nov. 1 will be a very stressful experience. (That is what I did for a majority of my applications and it wasn’t fun.) The truth is, if you write your essays early, you have more time to polish them yourself and with help from peers, meaning that colleges can see the best work you have to offer. But, my biggest piece of advice for writing these essays is DO NOT USE AI TO WRITE IT FOR YOU. Even if you don’t get caught, the essay that you’re turning in will likely be bland and simply blend in among the tens of thousands of other applications being read by admissions officers. Submitting your own work gives you an advantage right out of the gate: your unique voice. Don’t sacrifice that for temporary convenience!
What if I Get Rejected From My Top College?
This was a big fear of mine that, unfortunately, came true. I was dead set on attending a very selective college since my freshman year. Just as many high schoolers my age, I built the idea in my head that getting into my dream school would define the rest of my life. So I sent in my application and hoped for the best Unsurprisingly, I was rejected. It definitely hurt for a while, but after a bit of time and some research into other colleges I was applying to, I realized that there were other options that were just as good as my supposed “dream school.” Soon, I was accepted into a school that I now know is a better fit for me and has a program that is just as good. It sounds a bit cliche, but everything in our lives happens for a reason, and I believe that. Even if you don’t get into that dream school, there are other colleges that can provide the same experiences and opportunities, if not better. So remember, wherever you end up, you can always find a fulfilling experience in some way.
How Should I Get Involved?
The great thing about senior year is that you get the opportunity to try things you never got the chance to do in your previous years of high school. So, my advice is to try as much as you possibly can. The fact is, a lot of the opportunities you have in high school aren’t the same in college, so your senior year may be the last chance you may have to try out a new thing. Don’t be afraid to go to a club meeting, try out for a random sport or just take part in some of the senior activities throughout the year. The fact is, just cruising through your senior year isn’t fun for you or anyone else. Get out there and be a part of something!
What About Senioritis?
Senioritis. Frankly, it’s almost unavoidable. At some point in your last year of high school, you’ll wonder, does it really matter if I get a B or a C in math? The truth is, in my opinion, it’s okay to take your foot off the gas a little bit and enjoy your last moments of high school. Why not make your last few months about spending time with friends and getting the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience? But, as with all things, moderation is key, so make sure you aren’t falling too far behind in school. At the end of the day, getting the grades to stay in good standing with the university, college, program or career path you have chosen is key.
While having to deal with so many more things inside and outside of school can feel overwhelming at times, my number one piece of advice is to just have fun! Some day, you will look back on your high school years and remember what you did when you were a senior. At the end of the day, this is one of your last chances to be a kid before adulthood, so spend that time with friends and doing what you love. Remember, these opportunities don’t last forever, so get out there and do something before its too late.
