Ah, senior year. You’ve reached the proverbial mountaintop. Finally, it’s time to relax. Wait, not yet! While you’ve definitely earned your stripes, there’s still work to do. Here are four important things to focus on as you head into your final year of high school.
1. Getting ahead on your college applications
Do not leave these until the last minute. I repeat, do not leave these until the last minute! It’s senior year; you’re going to want to spend time with friends and enjoy the final hurrah. You want to avoid suddenly realizing that applications are due soon and then spend every waking weekend minute rushing through them. Instead, make a plan.
Start by working with your college counselor to research colleges you might be interested in, think about organizing a campus visit, and make sure your resume is in line with the school’s requirements. If you’re a borderline candidate based on your GPA and test scores, now might be the time to retake your ACT or SAT to boost your chances. Your counselor can help you make a plan in advance.
Also, start your essays yesterday. These things can really take time, and since many schools provide unique prompts, some of your hard work may not be usable for more than one school.
2. Finishing up your test prep (contact us for help!)
While we have what it takes to help you ace your ACT or SAT, we also have a wide range of academic resources to help you stay at the top of your game. Need some AP guidance? We’re on top of that. SAT Subject Tests stressing you out? Let us help. You’ve grinded for the last 13 years getting to where you are now. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or burned out. We’ll be happy to connect you with an expert tutor to help you across the finish line.
3. Crushing your AP exams
Not sure what you want to major in? Or maybe you even want to double major? Well, coming into college with some credits under your belt can help in either case. You can take your time exploring different subjects as an underclassman or dive right into a double course load by skipping prerequisites. Even if your university does not accept college credits, a strong senior year can set you up for future success. Also, if you have any SAT Subject Test needs left, making sure you’re on top of your AP classes allows you to kill two birds with one stone. If you’re already prepping for an AP test, you have a head start on prepping for an SAT Subject Test.
4. Taking care of yourself along the way
Senior year can be a busy time filled with exciting milestones. With so much going on, it’s important to take care of yourself along the way. Get enough sleep, spend time with friends and family, eat well, and set aside time for yourself on a regular basis so that you’re ready to put your best foot forward when it counts … and enjoy making memories of your last year in high school!
Need more individualized advice?
The recommendations above are general suggestions. If you have specific questions, reach out to our experts here. We’re happy to help in any way we can.
About ArborBridge
ArborBridge is the global leader in innovative, digital, one-on-one tutoring. With nearly a decade of experience teaching students online, ArborBridge supports students of all kinds: home schoolers, AP students, test preppers, and more. Our tutors specialize in creating personalized plans and in providing compassionate support for students and families.
