{"id":18374,"date":"2022-06-15T19:41:13","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T19:41:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xello.world\/?p=18374"},"modified":"2025-05-15T01:32:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T06:32:29","slug":"prepare-for-a-successful-senior-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xello.world\/en\/resources\/blog-posts\/prepare-for-a-successful-senior-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Prepare for a Successful Senior Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

Know a soon-to-be high school senior? If they’re keen to get started this summer, here are ways they can prepare for senior year.<\/em><\/h2>\n

For most teenagers, summer is a time to stuff all thoughts of school deep down into your backpack for a season of complete freedom. Whether you\u2019re working at a summer job or lounging by a body of water, the last thing on your mind is homework, essays, and exams.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s important to give your brains a break from academic stress, if you\u2019re headed into your senior year in the fall, you could really benefit from sneaking time in the summer to prepare for the year ahead.<\/p>\n

Here are eight things you can do to set yourself up for a successful (and less stressful) final year of high school.<\/p>\n

Reflect on Possible Career Paths<\/h3>\n

You\u2019ve probably been taking some form of college and career education since middle school, so you should have some sense of your personal interests, strengths, and skills \u2013 and how they relate to a future career.<\/p>\n

But even with the most preparation possible, it\u2019s perfectly normal to be uncertain about what kind of career path you want to pursue. Summer is a good time to gently reflect on the things you love to do and learn about. Once you\u2019ve identified some passions and favorite areas of study, you can consider what careers relate to them and what kind of education you need to get there. By the time senior year rolls around, you may have a better idea of how to proceed.<\/p>\n

Make a List of Colleges You Like\u2014and Learn More About Them<\/h3>\n

If you can\u2019t wait for college life, take the time to do some research about the college campuses and programs you\u2019re excited about. You can learn a lot online, including information about entry requirements for specific programs, student housing, financial aid options, clubs and extracurriculars, and more. Some colleges even have virtual tours of dorm rooms, lecture halls, and other important campus locations. If they have student ambassadors<\/a> available to ask questions and share their experiences, connect with them to get an inside scoop.<\/p>\n

While you\u2019re on your favorite colleges\u2019 websites, make a note of any dates for upcoming in-person tours in the fall. Many colleges offer these throughout the school year, so you may create a schedule for you and your parent(s) to visit and learn even more.<\/p>\n

Learn About College Scholarships and Explore Financial Aid Options<\/h3>\n

While you\u2019re looking closely at specific colleges, check out grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options<\/a> for each one. Many colleges will have a financial aid section of their website which outlines all of the offerings available. Even if you\u2019re not sure if you\u2019re going to attend this college or qualify for the aid or the scholarships, it\u2019s important to know they exist. You never know what may change as your senior year progresses.<\/p>\n

Check Out College Application Essays<\/h3>\n

And for one more college-specific task: take a look at the college essay requirements for the schools you\u2019re interested in to get a feel for what you\u2019ll need to write. Just knowing that you won\u2019t have to write them yet will take the pressure off. You can simply review and file it away in the back of your mind.<\/p>\n

Having early, specific knowledge about what you need to know later may help you identify experiences and ideas for the college essays you\u2019ll craft later. While you\u2019re at it, take a peek at some examples of college essays<\/a> that worked so when it\u2019s time to get at it, you\u2019ll have some great models to work from. That\u2019s half the stress taken away!<\/p>\n

Volunteer For a Cause You Care About<\/h3>\n

Senior year will sneak up on you fast. And once the school year starts, you\u2019ll be almost instantly busy with homework assignments and post-secondary-related planning and deadlines to manage.<\/p>\n

If you have some extra time this summer, consider volunteering for a cause that\u2019s important to you or see if you can job shadow or work as an unpaid intern in a workplace that interests you. Not only will experiences like these offer insight into the world of work and how it lines up with your interests and strengths, they look great on your resume, demonstrating that you\u2019re a thoughtful and engaged citizen who cares about your future and the world around you.<\/p>\n

Keep Your Resume Current<\/h3>\n

When was the last time you updated your resume? Like, really updated it. The summer is a good time to review your work, academic, and extracurricular history and put it in the tidy form of a resume. Think about all the experiences you\u2019ve had that contribute to making you the person you are today. Be sure to include:<\/p>\n