the new school year is just around the corner, and as a newly graduated student i am here to offer you my tips and advice based on my experience last year.
1. start your college applications as soon as you can. the earlier you get them done, the less you have to worry about them. if possible, have a teacher look over your essays and help you edit them.
2. senioritis is a very real thing, so try not to slack off. treat this year like any other school year. do your homework and study. remember that colleges can withdraw an offer of admission.
3. cherish your close friends and those around you. these are some of the last times that you will all be together in one place.
4. (this is kind of a continuation of number three) participate in school events. go watch school sports and go to homecoming and prom. i know some people think these kind of events are lame, but when you’re with the right people they are so much fun!
5. if you end up going to prom and/or homecoming bring a pair of fuzzy socks, especially if you decide to wear heels (trust me this will save your life). if you're anything like me, your feet will start aching 30 minutes after you put on heels and you’ll want to take them off asap. thankfully, fuzzy socks are the epitome of comfortable. change into them once you get to the dance.
6. don't be scared to talk to your teachers. they know you’re busy with college applications, so they’re usually very understanding. don't hesitate to ask for extensions on assignments
7. visit as many colleges as you can. there’s no point in applying to a college you don’t “vibe with.” the atmosphere will help you decide whether or not you can see yourself there for the next four years. i visited many colleges, yet when i first visited the university i'm attending this fall i immediately knew i belonged there.
8. have at least one safety school and one reach school. each year colleges are looking for different things, you never know what might happen.
9. when applying for colleges remember that your SAT score does not define you. it’s easy to put yourself down if you didn't get the score you wanted, but trust me it’s going to be okay :)
10. enjoy quality time with your family (especially the summer before college). i haven't even left for college and i already miss my family. spend as much time with them as you can, you probably won't be seeing them often in college.
11. EAT BREAKFAST. i had to drive 35 minutes everyday to get to my magnet school and i would usually wake up 50 minutes before school started. my biggest regret is not eating a proper breakfast everyday. a good breakfast gives you energy so you won't be as tired during the school day.
12. get enough sleep and stay hydrated! please, please, please! this is the best thing you can do for yourself.
13. be nice to the underclassmen and offer them advice.
14. it’s okay to cry. during the year, at graduation, after graduation, it’s okay.
15. have fun! it’s your last year of high school, enjoy it!
if anyone has questions about senior year and/or the college application process or needs any sort of advice, remember that my inbox is always open and i will always give advice.
