Already accepted to college? Beginning to lose interest and focus on school? Be careful not to catch senioritis!
Senioritis– a disease effecting high school seniors, especially during second semester; identified by laziness, lack of focus, repeated absences, and a strong desire to graduate.
Senioritis can sneak up on you faster than you think! Here are some tips give all high school students for avoiding this dread condition:
Take a strong course load!
Don’t take a relaxing course load just because you think you can. This is your time to shine! Many high schools only require three years of all the basic subjects (math, science, history, etc.) and four years of English. If you’re a college-bound high school student, go above and beyond and take a fourth year of quality courses.
Avoid taking study hall or three different gym classes to get out of studying your senior year. Admissions officers view hard work and dedication late in the game as a good indicator of how you’ll perform in college.
Your senior grades can make or break you
You know that colleges look at your grades for the first three years of high school. What you may not realize is that your senior year grades are just as important! Colleges require you to submit your first quarter, mid-year, and end-of-year grades. If you have a downward trend in your grades, colleges will notice and take that into account in determining your acceptance and financial aid.
The college application process is competitive and there are many students on a wait-list ready to take your spot. Don’t become a red flag and give colleges a reason to revoke your acceptance, reduce your scholarship or ask you to go elsewhere to prove yourself for a year before welcoming you to the campus. They do this regularly.
Tired of high school classes?
Take a course at a local community college. This is a perfect way to demonstrate your thirst for knowledge, plus you can earn college credits in the process.
About the author: Dr. Charlotte Klaar is a Certified Educational Planner and founder and director of Klaar College Consulting in the greater Charlotte area. If you’d like more information on any other aspects of the often-complicated college testing, admissions or financing process, Charlotte can be contacted at: 803-487-9777
