From freshman year to sophomore year, to junior year, and finally to senior year, highschool is a whirlwind of impactful events. For a lot of students, senior year might be coming up in the next year. For others, senior year might still be a few years ahead. For us, the first few months of senior year have been a rocky road of growth and identity. Whichever grade you are in, here are some things we absolutely wish we knew before going into senior year, ranging from college to enjoying your last year of high school. 

1. Junior year is the most important year and grades MATTER

While this may seem like common knowledge, it isn’t something that is realized until you’re in it. Junior year is a much bigger transition rather than when you went from your freshman year to your sophomore year. Suddenly, all your classes are 10x harder and you are drowning in homework and your schedule is more packed than ever. This is the year to get yourself in check. People don’t realize that a good junior year means a good start to senior year. Over the summer before your junior year, make sure you prepare yourself. Start studying for the SAT early, make sure you know what to expect from all of your classes, and get organized because a structured life equals a happy brain. 

2. Start researching colleges early

College is not something that you can put off. When juggling school, clubs, and college admissions, procrastination is simply not ideal. When you are about to end your junior year, you should start researching potential colleges and universities that you might want to apply to and attend. 

3. Know when you want to apply to what colleges

With the stressful college application process, it can seem overwhelming and as if all this information is being thrown at you. But, one of the biggest aspects that you need to consider other than just applying, is when you want to apply. Once you have gathered all of the colleges that you potentially want to attend, make sure to sort them between early decision, early action, and regular decision and plan your time accordingly to get everything in on time. Early action deadlines typically occur November 1st, but when you get your decision back and get into the college, you have to go to that specific college. So, make sure that if you do early action, that you are very sure that you want to go to that college. Early decision is usually due the same day, but is not binding if you get in. Regular decision means that your application would be considered later and the deadline usually occurs at the beginning of the new year. If you do early deadlines, you have a little bit of a better chance of getting in. But make sure you spread out your application based on your interests because handing 10+ applications all at once can be too much. 

4. If you don’t get into a certain college, it is not the end of the world

Throughout high school, many of us are locked into that one college that we would do anything to attend. However, college and acceptance can be finicky and can be a gamble whether or not you get in. You could do everything under the sun like getting good grades, attending a million clubs, etc and still not be let into your dream school. While this can be disheartening, you’ll end up being successful wherever you go. It can take time to learn this but you’ll end up where you are meant to be.

5. Don’t let senioritis get the best of you

Senioritis is so easy to fall into the trap of. Most people just focus on their first semester grades and then when they are accepted into a college, they lose all their motivation, saying that “There is no point, I’m already going to college.” or they skip class. However, even second semester grades are important to colleges. Seniors have to balance a lot to make it through school including college applications, senior events,  and grades especially are something that we tend to undervalue. It’s really important to manage your time well and stay on top of everything. 

6. The years go by fast, enjoy every moment

“I wish it would be over already,” is probably something everyone in high school has said at least once. One day you’re stressing over a bad grade wishing your freshman year was over and then the next you’re 5 months away from graduation. High school goes by so fast and in the blink of an eye colleges are sending out their acceptances already. Don’t let the enjoyable moments escape you because we’re all too worried about the little things that will be forgotten. 

7. Go to all of the senior events

Because the years go by fast, make sure you spend this time to really enjoy your last year. Go to all of the senior events with your friends and connect with other seniors. Make sure you are making the most of your last year of high school because when college comes, you’ll make all new memories with more people. Savoring these last moments can ensure that you are furthering your connections with others. Not only that, you’ll gain a sense of school spirit and identity with your school. So go to Senior Sunrise, paint your senior overalls, go to Senior Prom, along with many others. 

8. Grow and accept change

As we grow older, it’s important that we accept changes and let go of things from the past. We’ve all been guilty of holding grudges from past experiences. Leaving high school means that we should also leave our grudges. Holding grudges is a negative interaction that can weigh down on you. 

9. Friends come and go

Throughout high school, you’re gonna have so many friends that come and go. You might already be experiencing this or have already gone through it. And it’s important to realize that it’s okay. As much as it’s disappointing to realize that maybe a friend isn’t treating you well or you guys are just growing apart, it’s okay to let them go. It’s important to discard those friendships that aren’t serving you anymore. 

10. Prioritize your mental health

Even though college and school and getting good grades is very important, make sure that you are keeping your mental health in check. Try to keep aside time to hang out with your friends or just have some time to yourselves. School can be a lot, but you can’t do well in school if your mental health isn’t also doing well. You want to leave highschool with a good mindset so that you can enter college the same way. This can also make your senior year more enjoyable and more memorable. Still get good grades and make sure you are putting your best foot forward in applications and school, but make sure that you are carving out time for your brain.