Many students — and parents — are all too familiar with the stereotypes surrounding second-semester seniors. Pop culture often deems the final semester as a time for high school seniors to relax and put the hard work on the back burner, as they’ve likely wrapped up the college admissions process and may even know where they will be attending college.
But is this really the right time to take it easy? While students certainly deserve a break at this point and should carve out some time to wind down, it’s not necessarily the correct time to draw everything to a halt. The final semester of high school is an excellent chance to take advantage of key opportunities that can help you prepare for the college transition.
[Check out 10 ways to prepare for your freshman year of college.]
Two current college students shared their best tips for maximizing these last few months of senior year .
— Keep yourself challenged: Often, one of the most feared elements of the college transition is the fact that the coursework will be much more difficult.
Students may be used to certain study tactics and test-taking strategies that worked well for them in high school, but that doesn’t mean those same approaches will necessarily work in college. A great way to fend off any schoolwork complications is to find ways to keep yourself challenged during the last semester of high school.
“Try taking some challenging classes to develop those study skills,” said Nate Trona, a senior at the University of Pittsburgh. “If you choose to take it easy the last semester, this might put you in a downward slump that some kids may have a hard time recovering from.”
Trona suggested students take an Advanced Placement course to get them out of their comfort zone. Not only can AP courses keep you working hard, but they may even help you earn credits that will come in handy when scheduling college classes.
[Weigh the benefits and stress of AP courses for your student.]
Tough courses aren’t the only way to keep yourself challenged, however. Megan Grove, a freshman at Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville, said opportunities outside academics helped keep her well – rounded and ready for college life.
“It’s important to be involved, for example, in extracurriculars and leadership roles,” said Grove. “I believe that doing so really helped me to prepare for college.”
— Foster connections with your teachers: The last semester of high school can be an emotional time, as students are getting ready to say goodbye to the peers they’ve shared class with for so long — but what about the teachers?
These are important relationships that students must not forget about. Think about the teachers who have made an impact on you over the last four years.
[Read four reasons high schoolers should build strong teacher relationships.]
W hether their support helped you raise a class grade, score better on the SAT or earn a leadership position in student government, there is likely an instructor to whom you’d like to show your appreciation. It will likely be easier to stay in touch with these teachers after graduation if you foster your connections with them now.
Trona noted the importance of recommendation letters and references when it comes to pursuing opportunities in college and beyond, and high school teachers can be excellent points of contact for these.
Students will need good references to get some opportunities as a college freshman, such as research or even some volunteer positions, said Trona. “A high school professor who knew you well might be able to write you the letter that makes you more competitive in the field that you’re pursuing.”
— Lay out a plan: The final semester of high school is an opportune time to start making decisions about what you’d like to do in college and how you’re going to pursue these goals .
Take this time to review the resources your high school has available to help guide you in such decisions — such as picking your college major — as well as the resources your college has to offer.
Grove said students should begin to plan their college path. “This is especially important because many schools have freshman orientation and registration for classes directly after high schools finish their second semester, so the preparation for that is extremely helpful.”
R emember that these last few months of high school are an invaluable time to receive helpful guidance on how to begin the next phase of your life, build relationships with your instructors and take advantage of your school’s resources.
Spend your time wisely — before you know it, that diploma will be in your hand and you’ll be moving on to your college campus.
More from U.S. News
3 Steps for Writing a Strong SAT Essay
4 New Year’s Resolutions for College-Bound High School Students
Hone Rhetorical Skills for Success on the ACT Reading Section
3 Ways High School Seniors Can Capitalize on Second Semester originally appeared on usnews.com
