5 Thoughts to Confidently Shape Your Senior Year

Soon-to-be Seniors: While you rightfully have college on the brain, don’t unknowingly dismiss the last year of your high school career.

Visualize yourself stepping onto campus as an official senior.  Keep these thoughts in mind as you traverse classes, time alongside your friends and all the wonderful life experiences you’re about to embrace:

1. Teachers love when you ask questions, and other students will thank you.
   

   You aren’t the “annoying student” if you ask questions.  In fact, many classmates let their shyness get the best of them and avoid raising their hand at all, even if they are truly lost in the muddle of information.

   If you’ve been one of those quiet students, now is the perfect time to break the habit, even if it means only asking one question a week.  Eventually, speaking up will seem like a breeze.

   Asking questions to clarify or spark a new avenue of discussion not only will potentially help other students, but also stick in your teacher’s mind.  Who knows; it may be your path to confirming a mentor or a letter of recommendation.

2. Every other student has the same fear: rejection.
   

   If you harbor the fear about not being accepted to a single college, then you’re in the same boat as all your other classmates.

   Don’t fret!  Of the 4,000 colleges across the United States, you will get accepted to at least one.  Just don’t forget to send out plenty of applications!

3. Equal measures of work and fun will level your balance.
   

   This is true for any stage of life.  If you’ve seen or heard of the famous line “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” (The Shining, 1980), you’ll know exactly what we’re suggesting.

   Work too much and you’ll go crazy; too little will veer you off in the wrong direction.  Feel free to accept party invitations, but don’t sacrifice completing homework or projects as a replacement.Weaving both parts into your valuable time will nearly guarantee success.

4. Goodbyes are definitely NOT the end of the relationship road.
   

   It’s inevitable that your closest friends will most likely attend school in another city, if not another state.  Luckily technology is on your side.

   With texting, calling and even video chatting, you can easily keep in touch with your friends.  They’re just as afraid of the future as you are, and that commonality will bond your friendship across time.

5. Step outside of your comfort zone.
   

   Whether you’re painfully shy in social situations or admittedly uncoordinated at a hobby you like, take this opportunity to traverse the unknown.

   Compliment someone if you have a hard time beginning conversations or pursue a possible passion that seemed out of the question in the past.  We’re confident you’ll surprise yourself.

It’s easy to say “Stay positive”, but these should give you concrete ideas about how to focus your mind in the right direction.  We hope all you upcoming seniors enjoy your last year!

Westface College Planning can help navigate the financial aid process from start to finish.  To learn how we can help you call us at 650-587-1559 or sign up for one of our Tackling the Runaway Costs of College Workshops or Webinars.

Photo Credit: Sridhar Srinivasan