13 tips to survive senior year (as told by ex-seniors)
Four seniors took to the streets to get the best advice on how to survive senior year
The Class of 2016 shows of their college choices on May 2, the day after the National Enrollment Deadline.
1. Don’t let “senioritis” kick in
Going into senior year, most people expect an easy course load and minimal amounts of work. Don’t fall into that trap. Your grades can catch up to you very quickly and all of sudden you could be stuck with low grades. Just remember, colleges do see your midyear and final grades!
Don’t snooze off during senior year. Your grades still count!
2. Branch out of your friend group
Take advantage of the fact that there are awesome people all over the building. You never know who you could make a connection with before graduation. In the end, you might end up at the same college/university with someone from high school.
Try to get to know as many people as you can, even if they aren’t your usual “type”.
3. Be honest with your teachers
The teachers at PV understand what you are going through and would definitely rather hear the truth. They always have your best interest in mind and want to see you do your best. Advocating for yourself is a great skill to have going into college, especially if you are going to be in large lecture hall classes.
Always remember your teachers are here to help you not hurt you. Reach out if you need to.
4. Be a good role model to the underclassman
We all remember being freshman, looking up to the seniors, and waiting to be like them some day. Always remember that there are people looking up to you, so make sure you are setting a good example.
Executive Council is primarily made up of upper classmen. The students involved set an example for the rest of the school.
5. Get involved in school
Join a club or organization that interests you. You could meet new people that could positively impact your senior year. Every experience is a learning opportunity and it is always good to branch out.
The Environmental Club is one club of the many that can be joined and make you more involved in the school.
6. Take advantage of the PV cafe
We all know that you can’t come back to PV and get a buffalo chicken sandwich and fro-yo next year, so stay in once and awhile.
The PV cafe is the place to be to get the best food in the school.
7. Time seriously flies by – hang out with your friends, go to sporting events, and don’t miss out on fun activities
Before you know, you won’t be decked out in green at a home football game on Friday night. Take advantage of all the great events that our school has to offer: check out a new sport you’ve never watched, go to a theater show or participate in a valley cup activity.
Definitely catch one of our sporting events during your time here at PV.
8. Tie up loose ends – don’t leave with any regrets
You know that fight you had in middle school? Well, it is time to mend those relationships. You will feel better about leaving senior year without any negative feelings.
Forgive and forget in the end just like in “Mean Girls.”
9. Don’t leave things to the last minutes and plan out your activities ahead of time
Keep in mind that time is precious and can go very fast. You won’t realize in the beginning, but next thing you know, it will be prom and you’re getting ready to take pictures with all your friends. Don’t let things slip until the last minute. Planning beforehand is always appreciated.
Time goes by quickly, so plan ahead.
10. Don’t procrastinate when it comes to college
Common App goes live on August 1. Please take advantage of that time. You don’t want to be scrambling the night before the deadline for you to realize that you don’t have the right materials to apply. Your future relies on it.
Use the Common App to your advantage, it will help you in the end.
11. Don’t worry about what everyone thinks
Senior year is all about confidence. At the end of your years at PV, devote time to yourself and remember that popularity doesn’t matter. Enjoy being a big fish in a little pond, because before you know it, you’ll go right back to being a freshman again.
12. Spend all your nights doing something for yourself or with your friends
While it is so important to take time for yourself, you don’t want to regret those nights where your friends went out and you stayed home. Even if it’s just a quick Ridge run or a trip to Ramapo to hike, enjoy the time with your hometown friends. Soon you could be thousands of miles apart.
Hang out with your friends, they’ll be there for you.
13. Have fun and enjoy it all!
Senior year is really the year of you! Enjoy yourself and do things that make you happy. You will thank yourself in the end.
Enjoy yourself during your last year of high school.
