Many college-bound high school seniors start putting their studies on cruise control around this time of the year.
Many college-bound high school seniors start putting their studies on cruise control around this time of the year. That is especially true if they have already been accepted to the college of their choice. For many reasons, this can be a mistake. Here are some reasons to keep your foot on the gas.
Colleges can take back your acceptance
Many seniors think that an acceptance letter is a contract. The truth is that, although rare, acceptance can be withdrawn by the college. This tends to happen to students who suddenly drop all of their difficult classes or have their grades slip too far due to “senioritis”. There might not be anything more embarrassing than telling everyone you’re going to your first choice and then ending up at your safety school.
Crucial information will still be covered
Tuning out your teachers can still be detrimental. There is obviously the consideration of grades and final exams. But they might also be covering material you will need to know in your fall college classes. You want to be able to hit the ground running as soon as you get on campus.
Graduation mix-ups do happen
Perhaps you know someone from previous years who thought they were on track to graduate only to find out that they needed one more half credit of visual art. If they’re lucky, they can switch out their final semester schedule, otherwise they will need to make up the credit after school or during the summer. Check in one more time with your guidance counselor to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Responsibilities only multiply from here
Yes, the final semester is a busy time. You’re trying to keep up with your schoolwork, an afterschool job, and extracurriculars, not to mention prom and graduation. Letting things drop might seem like a solution. But rest assured, responsibilities are only going to increase. You will have all of those next year, as well as feeding yourself, paying bills, and sorting out a social life in a new place. The best way to transition is to keep up with your good habits.
You’ll never have this time again
Ask anyone. Senior year of high school was one of the best times of their lives. You want to get the most out of it in every aspect. This is the last time you’ll have with your favorite teachers, your teammates, and your friends. You might be letting things drop that you’ll never be able to get back.