The fall semester is kicking into gear, and this year’s seniors are stepping into their final year of high school not only with excitement, but a few looming deadlines as well. And while the days may feel long, the months will fly by fast. So before ‘senioritis’ sets in, it’s imperative that seniors at FVHS make the most of their fall semester. But what does that actually look like?
One easy way to start is to sit down with family or a guidance counselor to consider what it is you want to do in the future. College visits, if feasible, can also help you make more informed decisions, as they provide students the ability to talk to admissions representatives and tour campuses. While many may find thinking about their future to be a daunting task, having a post-graduation plan can help alleviate future stress and provide a better sense of direction as students enter young adulthood.
If college is the path you choose, the fall semester is a critical time to get organized and stay ahead of application deadlines. For example, making sure to complete your common application and personal essay well before they’re due will give you plenty of time to revise and edit as you need. Requesting teacher recommendations early on also makes it easier for teachers to write thoughtful, personalized letters, as they often juggle multiple requests at once.
“Make sure to contact your teachers early and in-person if you would like a recommendation,” said Rebecca Reynolds, a math teacher at FVHS. “We need to see you and talk to you about who you are and what you’re interested in so that we can write a good letter of recommendation.”
Apart from applications to broader scholarships offered by large colleges, seniors often ignore or are simply unaware of the more localized scholarships offered by their community. Individual research through websites such as Student Scholarships can be useful to find these niche grants that apply to you.
Speaking of finances, whether you opt for a four-year college education or not, creating a high-yield online savings account can make a big difference when it comes to being fiscally responsible as a student. Starting to invest early on will help your money grow while you attend school or enter the workforce, and arguably one of the most important tenants of money management is saving.
“I’ve noticed that a lot of Seniors end up spending a lot of money on things that can be instant gratification,” said Adam Fox, an economics teacher at FVHS. “But if they save a little bit of money it can be very useful, especially if they go into college or a career after high school.”
Additionally, make sure to check in with your guidance counselor to confirm you have all required credits for graduation, and keep putting effort into your classes. Having a class on your schedule doesn’t guarantee the credit; consistent effort and attendance are essential. Skipping or regularly disengaging from class can reflect negatively on your performance, which can lead to unnecessary setbacks that may delay your graduation.
But most importantly, stay involved and maintain a positive mindset. Continue attending and actively participating in classes, clubs, sports and any and all other activities you enjoy doing. Not only does this show colleges you’re disciplined and dedicated to your school, but it will also help you combat the dreaded “senioritis” and allow you to enjoy your last year of high school to the fullest.
