Sandra Steele, Educational Consultant

How To Make The Most of Your Senior Year

Sandra Steele, M. Ed., LPC
Educational Consultant

The senior year is an opportunity for the student to strengthen their skills and broaden their experiences in school and out, to prepare for all the challenges ahead. A successful senior year can help launch one on the path to a successful future.

Maintain a Challenging Course Load

The student should take the most rigorous courses available and be sure to continue taking college-track subjects. Consider AP courses, which can also earn one credit at many colleges.

Stay Active and Involved

Your continued involvement in activities, sports, volunteer work, etc., will help you stay active and focused throughout your final year. A great internship or career-focused job opportunity can help motivate you to start considering your career options. Meaningful and significant experiences will help prepare you to make informed decisions about your education and career goals.

Try out College Early

If you’re interested in pursuing a subject further, and have excelled at your high school classes so far, consider taking a class at a local college. This challenge can help you avoid sliding into an academic slump and stimulate your interest in the possibilities of college.

Another option in many areas is “middle college” or early college” high schools. These schools, normally located on community and four-year college campuses, allow students to spend their last two years taking classes in both college and high school. Early exposure to college classes introduces you to the rigor of college work while easing your transition from high school.

Sources: College Board, 2004