Class of 2025, we’re finally seniors!  

This year is going to be chaotic, to say the least. Maintaining a job, applying to colleges, taking the SAT/ACT, scholarships, and senior year activities are just a few of the tasks that are a part of the last year of high school. Many past seniors have described that this year will fly by, and it makes sense. With all the stressful tasks and deadlines, it’s easy to miss out on life during senior year.  

It’s easy to get lost trying to understand everything that’s thrown at you during senior year. Here is a short senior year checklist that you can use to determine if you’re on the right track. 

• Understanding the Common Application 

Common App will frequently be used in your senior year. Basically, it’s a way to apply to college! It’s not the only way; however, it’s much easier to apply through this organization rather than directly through a college’s application. It’s important to note, however, that not all colleges accept Common App, such as Georgetown University.  

This also applies to the fact that you must complete your own research this year! Whether it be about colleges, finding specific scholarships, or any other advice about senior year, completing your own research is necessary.  

Also, there are several parts that go into the Common App such as a personal essay, supplementals, recommendations, etc.  

•  Understanding early decision/early action/regular decision 

These are the 3 main types of college application deadlines that you must know. Early decision is a binding process in which you usually apply early to a college and if accepted, you must attend that school. You are limited to 1 school to apply early decision for. Early action is different. You apply early to a college; however, if you are accepted, you are not required to attend that school. Early action can be done for multiple colleges. Regular decision is the normal deadline for college application.  

• Scholarships and FAFSA 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a must! Even if you think you won’t receive money from the government, it doesn’t hurt to try. The application doesn’t open to the public until December 1st this year but fill out your application as soon as it does open, it’s a first come, first served basis. As for scholarships, the possibilities are literally endless. There are bigger, national ones, such as the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship, and there are smaller, local ones that are for a specific demographic. So, do your research! 

• Participate in senior year activities if you can! 

This is your last year of high school, make the most of it. Go to homecoming, take your senior portraits, go to football games, try to experience everything if you can. College is important, yes, but living your life is even more important!  

Everything will work out in the end; you just need to put in the effort and trust the process.