Making the Most of Your Senior Year of High School

Whether you plan on going to college, taking a gap year, or entering the workforce directly out of high school, there are many factors to consider about this next stage in life. But if a university like Drexel is where you want to be next year, read on to learn how to make the most of your senior year. 

Stay Organized and Start Early

By the time senior year starts, you should already have an idea of what schools you will be applying to. Even if you aren't exactly certain what you want to major in or where you want to be, it's a good idea to have a list of prospective schools written out. School will get busy, so having a draft of your Common Application or Coalition Application with Scoir essay already written by the start of senior year will save you stress. The Common Application publishes their list of essay prompts as early as February. There are other crucial required application materials besides the essay, so you want to stay on top of your recommendation letters, transcript, and other materials to get your application in by its deadline.

Start Saving Money

Living away from your parents is a difficult adjustment emotionally and mentally, but also financially. From food to clothing to school supplies, you will be spending a decent amount. And if you are living on campus, there will be room decorations, home supplies, and dining out with friends. This adds up. So try saving some money, whether it's through babysitting, saving up birthday money, or getting a part-time job. It's never too early to start!

Do Not Neglect Your Grades

It might be tempting to take it easy once you have been accepted to a school, but these senior-year grades are important. If you're taking an AP class, doing well on the test could be the difference between having time during your first year to take an elective or needing to repeat an introductory course. Even if you aren't taking any AP classes, your grades still matter. Colleges look at all your grades, including those from senior year, and could rescind your acceptance if you are suddenly failing your classes. So try not to fall victim to "senioritis"!

Be Cautious With Social Media

You might want to vlog every moment of this summer, join the new college reveal TikTok trend, and make a "last first day" post, but remember your process and your life are going to look different than everyone else's. Social media is ripe for comparison, and each school's different application timeline can create stress when your peers know their acceptances and you may not yet. Most importantly, social media creates a digital footprint that can get you in trouble with an admissions office if you post or share anything offensive, illegal, or just in poor taste. If you wouldn't want your grandparent or principal to see it, think twice before you hit "post."

It's Okay to Not Know What's Next

While going into a four-year university with a plan is an excellent option, it is also completely fine to start college undecided or transfer after attending a community college — in fact, Drexel has its own scholarship for transfer students. You can always change your major if you realize it is not for you. Drexel even has a First-Year Exploratory Studies program that can help you figure out what you want your path to be. It's okay to change your mind or try something new — you have an entire life to figure out what you want to do.

Have Fun

Even though this is a stressful time, this is also an exciting time — you're still able to try new things with little risk and are about to embark on a new journey where you could live out a lifelong dream. It's exciting! So take a second to take it all in. Senior year is a lot of fun and is more than just college applications and prom. Maybe try a new activity or class, learn to cook, host an outdoor movie night with your friends, or spend more time with your family. Whatever you do, take a moment to appreciate the world outside of school and the future.