Well, here it is. The final stretch. The last hurrah. Senior year.
It’s happening. How does one prepare? Students tend to fall under the spell of senioritis fast, putting off homework or not doing it at all. Some find themselves stressed by numerous AP classes, while others have lightened their load.
Either way, it’s possible to survive this year.
Hoover Guidance Counselor Mr. Jim Wyckoff says that perspective is the most important aspect of surviving senior year, and that “perspective is two-fold.”
“Seniors’ perspectives need to have two parts in staying on track for the year. First, you have to stay focused and keep your grades up while enjoying yourself and all of the experiences that come with being a senior. Second, you have to build good habits, because the habits you form now will stick with you through college and beyond,” he said.
He also said that compromising between those two ideas leads to a good balance, and thus survival.
Senior Jenny Mayer is one of many seniors on track for this year. Mayer takes five AP classes, as well as one honors course. She participates in numerous outside of school activities, and said she is able to balance everything mostly because of foresight.
“I finish most of my work before it’s due, so when new things pop up, I don’t fall behind. Also, I have insane time management skills and ignore what doesn’t matter and work on what does. I can eliminate at least three classes from my nightly homework retinue,” she said.
Mayer also said she takes so many AP classes because she wants to be prepared for next year. She has already started applying to colleges including the University of Chicago, Boston College and Xavier. Wyckoff recommends applying early to all of the colleges you want.
“Pay attention to deadlines and don’t wait until the last minute,” he said. “And remember that college acceptance is conditional. Once you’re accepted, that doesn’t mean you’re absolutely guaranteed. If you mess around the rest of your senior year, they can actually go back and reject you. Ohio State has done it; it does happen.”
Mayer also said that applying early helps.
“I started the application process in June. I actually laid out a schedule and figured out what recommendations I would need and what essays I had to write. Efficiency is key, especially when you’re applying to numerous schools – it’s key if you have eight or more, like plenty of people I know,” she said.
Senior Neal Greenho, a member of the hockey and baseball teams, said he hasn’t started applying to colleges yet, but he’s narrowed his choices down to three. Greenho, who is taking four classes this year (including a double period of Construction Technology), said he wants to apply as soon as possible so he can benefit early.
“I know I’m applying to Mount Union, Kent State and the University of Akron and I want to do it sooner than later, so I can benefit from my early applications. Additionally, I chose schools that had programs I wanted–I didn’t choose a school just based on its name or prestige,” he said.
Greenho said he believes no senior should pick a school just for their name.
“Don’t go to a school just to stay you go to some school with a big name,” he said. “Go to a school that fits.”
Mayer said she recommends going to a school that has what you want as well, and she also said that senior year is supposed to be an enjoyable time.
“All I know is that senior year is flying by, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said. “I’m having fun, am enjoying my classes and the people in them, and I still have time to do the things I love. I can’t wait for this year to be over, but it is painful to watch it pass me by.”