This is it, the moment you’ve been waiting for. You’re finally in your senior year of high school. It’s the end of an era, so what are your plans to make this year the best possible? Can you maximize your fun and time with friends while still maintaining academic success? We've collected a suggested timeline along with some tips and tricks to help keep you on track.
Senior Photos
Figure out what you would like to do for these. This is a time of your life you’ll want to remember forever, so plan accordingly. Will your family hire a professional? Or maybe one of your friends is an aspiring photographer, and you could plan a fun photo shoot with them? Figure it out early so you’re not scrambling later.
Plan a Grad Party
Graduating from high school is a huge milestone and deserves to be celebrated! Make sure you plan something special and invite your friends and family.
Schedule Doctor Appointments
This is important to do regularly, but it’s especially important now if you’ll be headed out of state next year. Make sure you get a physical, see your dentist and your eye doctor before you move on to your next adventure.
Apply for College
If you’re interested in a four-year liberal arts degree, apply for early decision college admission. Applying for early decision as a high school senior can provide several advantages. It demonstrates your strong commitment and enthusiasm for a particular college, improving your chances of admission.
Early-decision applicants often receive their admissions results sooner, reducing the stress of waiting and allowing more time to plan for college. Additionally, securing a spot early can provide peace of mind and enable you to focus on enjoying your senior year without the uncertainty of college decisions looming.
Look into Skilled Trades
If you’d rather skip more academia and jump into the job market sooner, contact skilled trade institutions. Skilled trades offer lucrative career opportunities with less schooling and debt than a four-year degree.
In-demand fields include healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, construction and automotive. Employers are actively seeking talent to fill these roles, providing high school and community college students with promising career paths.
Michigan faces a skilled trades shortage expected to persist through 2030, with over 520,000 jobs and 45,000 new openings annually. Many roles do not require a four-year degree, making them accessible and financially rewarding.
Plan for Campus Tours
Most schools offer tours to prospective students. It’s important to scope out a school’s vibe before you commit. What are campus grounds like? How are the dorms? Is the dining hall situation dire or delectable? Make sure to contact the school early to ensure a visit that works with your family’s schedule.
Apply for Financial Aid
When applying for financial aid, start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible, as some funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need assistance, you can use your Canton Public Library card to access HelpNow by Brainfuse, which will connect you to a real, live human to help walk you through this process.
Search for Scholarships
College can get pretty expensive. Research and apply for scholarships and grants offered by your intended college, local organizations and national programs. Stay organized by keeping track of deadlines and required materials for each application.
If your financial situation changes, don't hesitate to contact the financial aid office to discuss potential adjustments to your aid package. Finally, consider all types of aid, including work-study programs and federal student loans, to fully understand your funding options.
Add a comment to: So You’re a Senior… Now What?!