Welcome to senior year, also known as the year of lasts. Your last first day of high school, last high school homecoming, last prom, and last year of childhood as you know it. Afterwards, adulthood will smack you like a runaway schoolbus. These tips will help you make the most out of your final two semesters as a high school student.

1. Create a schedule and manage your calendar

Senior year is the year of "so much to do, so little time." So, it is essential that you create a schedule and stay up-to-date on events and deadlines. Senior year will definitely deadline you to death. That's why you should be proactive and prepared. Factor in senior dues, college applications, scholarship applications, and other major exams. The goal is to graduate with a little sanity left, but it is extremely difficult to achieve if you are not organized. If you have trouble staying organized, click me to get started.

2. Continue your leadership in clubs or organizations

By now, you should be involved with at least one club or organization. Most leadership roles starts junior year or earlier, but that should not be the only year you excel as a leader. Continue your success with the leadership positions you acquired in at least one club or organization. If you are an over-achiever with multiple leadership positions under your belt, this is the time to focus your attention on one to two of your favorite activities. This will help you stay active and effective as a leader, but also gives you the flexibility that you will need as a senior. If you have not taken on a leadership position just yet, it is not too late. Find an organization that aligns with your personal goals and aspirations and fully immerse yourself into a community of like-minded individuals. Afterwards, find out how you could translate your passion into a leadership role. 

3. Search and apply for scholarships weekly

Yes, that's right. WEEKLY. Now, if weekly applications become strenuous, then tailor your schedule to bi-weekly applications. After you apply to enough scholarships, you will notice a pattern and commonality between most applications. If you have a personal--and secure--computer or cell-phone, you could even save basic information like your name, address, and phone number and use auto-fill on applications. This will save you both time and energy when you have multiple assignments or applications to complete at once. Applying to a scholarship a week will greatly increase your chances of receiving scholarship money and other scholarship opportunities. Having difficulty finding scholarships? Click here for assistance. 

4. Apply to a college or university

This is one of the most excited and nerve-wracking part of senior year. Will you choose 2-year or 4-year? Maybe you want to double up and complete a 5-6 year dual degree program. Technical school or liberal arts? In-state or out of state? These are all important questions to consider when researching higher-education institutions. Some may choose to opt out of furthering their education after high school, but never limit yourself to the possibility of school. Whether you decide to attend or not, applying to a college or university is the first step into your future. Need help on where to start? I got you fam. Click me. 

5. Find a part-time job or internship 

With adulthood around the corner, you want to be as prepared as possible. There is no better way to learn than to pick up a part-time job or internship. Some may have already started working in the previous summers, so congratulations to our over-achievers. If you have not started your work journey, this is the perfect time. Jobs during the school year could be difficult, so research opportunities based on your schedule. This may mean finding a summer program or internship or you may have the flexibility to find an after-school job. Some high schools offer a work-based learning course where students can work while in school. This does not mean an in-school job, but you could have the option to work mornings and attend class in the afternoon or vice versa. Research job opportunities and fill out a few applications. Don't forget to follow up both over the phone and in person with any position you apply for. 

This short list is not only beneficial to seniors, but to any student whether in middle school, high school, or college. Share this tip list with any student to help them prepare for their best academic year yet!