Seniors, this is it\u2014your final year of high school. Except now, you\u2019re not only focusing on managing your course load, but college admissions as well.
\nThere\u2019s a lot to juggle, from college applications and essay-writing to collecting letters of recommendation and possibly studying for the SAT or ACT one last time. And this is on top of regular school work, finals, AP or IB exams, extracurricular activities, and maintaining some semblance of a social life.
\nWith all the simultaneous excitement and pressures facing you, it\u2019s easy to understand how senioritis\u2014that infectious little bug that runs rampant around January or February of senior year\u2014can be so pernicious. And so contagious.
\nDon\u2019t worry; we\u2019re here to offer the top five tips for fighting off senioritis and staying on track for college admissions:<\/p>\n
Remember, second semester grades still matter for college admissions. It is very tempting to lose steam after you hit submit on that last college application. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to keep your eye on the goal, especially when you\u2019ve come so far and are so close to the finish line. Those colleges you\u2019ve applied to and dream of attending may very well ask to see second semester grades. You do not want to be in the position of having to show them a nose-dive.<\/p>\n
One of the top symptoms of senioritis is lethargy. Nix that bad habit before it becomes your routine. You have worked so hard\u2014maybe the hardest you have in your high school career\u2014balancing school, applications, and standardized tests. It\u2019s natural to tell yourself, \u201cI deserve a break!\u201d Of course, you do, but don\u2019t let this mentality become counter-productive. Take some time to relax after you\u2019ve submitted applications and taken your last SAT or ACT, but don\u2019t take too long of a break. Stay involved in school and activities, and keep those grades up. You\u2019ve come this far\u2014stay the course, and all your efforts will soon pay off.<\/p>\n
One year from now you will be in college. Let that sink in for a moment. You do not want to look back at senior year and wish you had finished more things that you started. At the same time, this may be your last year at home with your family and friends, so you are certainly allowed to let yourself enjoy it. Having fun and appreciating the people in your life does not equate to senioritis.<\/p>\n
Continue to take courses that challenge, motivate, and inspire you. This will keep you on top of your game. Also, colleges may reach out and ask for your second semester schedule on applications. You want to show them that you are still challenging yourself rather than just doing what it takes to get by. If you take an easier course load, it can be much more tempting to slack off.<\/p>\n
This isn\u2019t just a good idea; it\u2019s a necessity. Everyone needs some time to recharge. Just find a balance between working hard and having fun. This will make senior year that much sweeter. Remember, the college admissions process does not last forever!
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