The Senior Struggle
By Eden Shimunova, Senior, iPreparatory Academy
By Eden Shimunova, Senior, iPreparatory Academy
As a senior, it is very difficult to stay on top of homework, SAT’s, exams, college applications, and extracurriculars. The process is very overwhelming, but if you learn to manage your time with school, FAFSA, and college applications, you can get extra time for yourself, family, and friends.
Start with organizing your schedule and listing everything that you need. Start a spreadsheet of all the colleges you’re applying to with the requirements, costs, SAT scores, essays, and deadlines. Making a schedule will help you get more organized. Have a calendar with the deadlines for early admissions, regular admissions, scholarships, and FAFSA. Having a calendar will ensure that you wont end up confusing the deadlines for the applications.
Start with organizing your schedule and listing everything that you need. Start a spreadsheet of all the colleges you’re applying to with the requirements, costs, SAT scores, essays, and deadlines. Making a schedule will help you get more organized. Have a calendar with the deadlines for early admissions, regular admissions, scholarships, and FAFSA. Having a calendar will ensure that you wont end up confusing the deadlines for the applications.
Do not wait until the last minute to start your essay. It is best to start looking at the topic list in commonapp.com. Begin drafting in the summer: start brainstorming and finish the first draft before senior year starts. For example, I began and chose a topic in the middle of July and finished a draft right before school started. Then, my Creative Writing teacher helped me perfect it. Starting it later will make your life difficult, and your essay will suffer.
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Never wait for the deadlines. Requesting letters of recommendations from teachers is very important. Most of the colleges require two letters of recommendation. Make sure you list teachers/supervisors that know your work and achievements. Ask a couple months before the deadline (or in junior year), so teachers can personalize your letters. Start the application for colleges and FAFSA right when you are able to start. For example, I have my common app application finished (it’s October), and I’m waiting for my SAT score from September 2020, so I can submit it. When you wait for deadlines, it will just make you more stressed with homework, tests, and the extracurriculars that you have. |
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Lastly, take some time to relax and enjoy your last year of highschool. Try to continue to pursue the hobbies that are outside of school. Hang out with friends and family, watch a movie, or read a book. It is good to continue making memories during your senior year. |