One of the biggest years in anyone’s life is their senior year of high school. While this semester quickly approaches, there are many uncertainties about what to do to fill the time before graduation. Coming into my final semester of high school, there are a few things I need to do before I walk the stage in a few months.
Here is a list of what I’m doing to prepare and create a successful end to my senior year!
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)1. Planning my College Route
While most colleges haven’t sent out their acceptances for the 2026 Fall semester yet, it is especially important to plan out a college route now. If you have already sent out applications, deep dive into the schools you chose to get a better understanding of each college. Make sure to check out the location, course pathway (what classes you need for your major to graduate), cost, distance, dorms, food plan, campus life, and other factors that come to mind. Finding these small details now will help you in your future decision of choosing a school.
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2. Applying for Financial Aid and Scholarships
College can get very expensive, but there are ways to lessen the burden. Scholarships are a great way to cover some of the costs of both community college and a university.
Applying for every scholarship you see can be daunting, so don’t worry! Try to find specific scholarships for your area of interest, local scholarships, or random ones that probably don’t get a lot of applicants. It is easier to win these scholarships compared to lottery-based or popular ones. If where you live offers a financial aid program, make sure to apply as soon as possible—you never know what you can get!
3. Getting Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are a staple to have in your final semester of high school. Employers, scholarships, programs, or other organizations may ask you for a letter of recommendation, and it is better to be prepared.
The best people to ask for recommendations from are teachers you’ve had multiple times, connected with, or who teach your area of interest. Mentors, employers, and coaches are also valuable recommendations. It takes some effort to write these letters, so ask at least two weeks in advance before you need your letter, if possible.
4. Keeping Up on Grades
The term “Senioritis” isn’t popular for no reason. This “disease” of procrastination and unproductiveness can hit anyone at any time this semester, but don't cave in. Even though some have already gotten college acceptances, this doesn’t let you off the hook quite yet.
Schools, scholarships, and future endeavors still view your entire senior year transcript, so it is vital to keep it up to your best ability. It may seem tiresome, but it will be worth it for both the short-term and long-term goals. You don’t want to work so hard for over 3 years just to let yourself fall.
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5. Senior Activities
Senior year is the time when many special once-in-a-lifetime events are popping up everywhere, and it would be a shame to miss them. I personally do not attend every event the school hosts, but I will make an effort to go to more throughout the semester.
Not just small events, senior year rites of passage, like the prom, are all things I do not want to pass up. It may not seem like a big deal to everyone, as it didn’t for me, but we might be sorry for missing them.
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6. Planning Finances
Planning out your future finances is not necessarily the same as applying for scholarships. It's a preparation for both expected and unexpected costs that come with gaining more responsibility. Filling your car with gas, rent, and groceries are all expected costs that come up sooner than expected. However, looking ahead for unpredictable costs, such as car repairs, takes more responsibility and focus.
Starting to budget your money and be aware of your financial situation in the last semester of senior year, especially if you’ve never had a job before, is a great preparation for what is to come. Don’t stress too hard about it; just being aware and taking baby steps will be a good way to start.
7. Doing What I Love
Being able to have hobbies, downtime, or a relaxing weekend is a privilege I am so fortunate for. Given this, I want to utilize it as much as possible. During this time, I will dive further into activities I love, such as reading and writing, or trying something completely new, like sewing.
I highly recommend this for any senior approaching their graduation. Every day won’t be like it is now, and it is best to take advantage of this lively opportunity.
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8. Spending Time with Friends and Family
While senior year has its share of smiles and cheer, sometimes, it brings us worry or doubts. The friends we see every day may not be part of our lives like they are now, and that can be a hard reality to face. The same goes with family, where many seniors will be moving away from what they find comfortable and homey in just a few months.
Taking time to be with these people who have made our lives better is a great homage to the impact they’ve left on us. It also gives the soon-to-be-graduate some quality time of their own to relish in.
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Conclusion
Senior year is soon coming to a close, and tackling these next steps is essential for a smooth rest of the year. Although some of these seem like tasks on a to-do list, the main thing to focus on is having fun—it’s a cliché, but an important one to remember.
Good luck to all seniors entering your final months of high school!