The do’s and don’t’s of being a senior

As I overhear my junior friends discuss their plans for senior year, over and over again I interject into their conversations.  Considerations of AP and honors-packed schedules, a full schedule of four classes, and plans to hold leadership positions in more than one club – each of these decisions is more regrettable than the last.

Senior year brings out the worst traits in its members: laziness, procrastination, exhaustion, and apathy.  With only about three months remaining, the seniors of Newspaper have reached a consensus about the top Do’s and Don’ts’ of being a senior.

Do strongly consider late arrival or early dismissal- Trust me, seniors do NOT want to be at school, especially those who have already been accepted to college.  Teachers do not want classes filled with apathetic seniors, and seniors do not want to do any unrequired work.  Dropping one or more “filler” classes gives seniors the feeling of a two-hour delay or early release everyday, which allows for more sleep and less studying.

Don’t pack your schedule with challenging classes – One of my co-workers has a schedule consisting of AP Statistics, AP Psychology, Honors Physics, and Honors Psychology.  When juniors sign up for their classes at the end of the year, most intend to boost their GPA and get into their dream college.  Little do they know, overloading themselves won’t do much to change their GPA but only cause unnecessary stress.

Do apply for the earliest admissions deadlines possible – As soon as a senior is accepted to college, their worries and stress miraculously dwindle to almost nothing.  Accepted seniors can buy their universities’ sweatshirts and T-shirts, cover their cars in bumper-stickers or window clings, and start applying for housing or scholarships.  The seniors who procrastinated and waited until the January or March deadlines to apply will be stuck waiting for a decision until April, leaving only a month to make a life-changing decision.  

Don’t slack off in your classes entirely – As much as seniors think that high school is over the second they get accepted to college, it’s not.  Teachers are still teaching, essays are still assigned, and grades are still issued.  Although the previously mentioned “accepted seniors” have, for the most part, secured their futures, colleges still request mid-year grades.  Though it’s unlikely that a student will be rejected for slightly lower grades, a dramatic drop may cause colleges to reconsider their acceptance.

Do keep up with your commitments – I have friends who are officers of Key Club, French Club, Spanish Club, and National Honor Society.  Those who committed to time-consuming positions are not realizing that not only do they not enjoy leadership, but they do not have time to do the job correctly.  Signing up for a leadership position on a whim may have been a mistake, but it’s important that seniors maintain the quality of the club and set an example for future leaders.

Don’t risk your college acceptance on one stupid decision – In the midst of Winterfest, Prom, spring break and graduation parties, it’s easy to get carried away or make impulsive decisions.  Each of these events is fine in itself, but making good decisions (or at least not get caught making bad decisions) at these events are key.  Everyone, but especially seniors, should be careful not to compromise their futures for one stupid mistake.

Winter is quickly fading away and graduation is a mere 103 days away (including weekends, mind you).  Juniors should heed my warnings when making decisions for next year, and talk to current seniors for suggestions on classes, clubs and activities.  The biggest suggestion: chillllllll.  Senior year is supposed to be relaxing and fun, so enjoy it while it lasts.

Arielle Emery, Staff Writer 2009-2011