Think Big about Life after High School
It’s easy during senior year to get overwhelmed with all the craziness of finishing High School with. But don’t worry! Get ready for a whole new level of opportunities, future planning … and, yeah, some stress.
Senior year is an exciting and exhausting time, and a lot of seniors are tempted to take it easy and leave the tough stuff for next year. “The senior slide” could cause problems down the road. Again, don’t worry!
Things will turn out fine if you remember to:
PRIORITIZE what “you” need to do before graduation
DECIDE what’s the best path for “you”
THINK BIG about “your” life after high school
Instead of focusing on the end of high school, focus on the beginning of life after high school. If you’re headed to college, you should know that there are many factors colleges, universities, and businesses consider when making admissions and hiring decisions. Here’s a checklist:
• High school grade point average
• Class rank
• Whether you’ve completed challenging classes
• College admissions test scores
• Activities, leadership, and involvement
• Your college application and essay
• Your work-ready skills (including “soft skills” - teamwork, motivation, leadership, etc.)
If you can check off any of these during your High School years, you are well on your way to college success. Here is another checklist; that you should be in the middle of, to help you Plan your life after Senior Year.
SUMMER
WHAT TO DO: Make your summer count. It can be a real growth and planning opportunity, and it can help focus the planning you’ll need to do your senior year.
HOW TO DO IT: Pursue a summer job that matches your career interests and earn and save for college. Or look for volunteer or job-shadowing opportunities so you can see your dream career up close or explore ideas of what you might want to do.
AUGUST
WHAT TO DO: Compare the colleges on your list. Have you weighed pros and cons carefully? Which colleges meet your needs?
HOW TO DO IT: Continue visiting colleges and college websites. Organize your college choices into a detailed pro/con list. Pay special attention to colleges with the longest “pro” list.
SEPTEMBER
WHAT TO DO: Apply for admission to your top choice colleges. Do you have all the necessary forms? Be sure to check application deadlines and put them on your calendar.
HOW TO DO IT: Obtain application forms. Observe deadlines. Submit transcripts and test scores (and retest, if necessary, to get your best possible score).
OCTOBER-FEBRUARY
WHAT TO DO: Apply for financial aid. Have you investigated all possible sources of aid? When should you apply?
HOW TO DO IT: Talk to your counselor or your top colleges’ financial aid offices. Get all the financial aid application forms and watch for deadlines. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1.
FEBRUARY-MAY
WHAT TO DO: Make your final decisions. What additional preparation would be helpful? Should you consider summer school? Do you feel comfortable with your final choice?
HOW TO DO IT: Check with parents, counselors, and mentors and ask them to help confirm your decision. Then contact your chosen college to confirm and decline other admission offers. Take control of your future!
MAY-JUNE
CONGRATS, GRADUATE!
This is intended to give you useful advice, tips, and strategies you can use during senior year to prepare you for life after high school. The most important tip I can give you is this: be confident! Having a positive attitude will get you so far in life. If you work hard, that discipline will pay off in college and/or your career! Your curiosity, hard work, and perseverance will make all the difference.
CONGRATULATIONS, AND BEST OF LUCK!
