Senior year is finally almost here class of 2014! After a long three years at Scituate High School you are approaching the end of your time here. While senior year is one of the most memorable times, there are many things that can make the year go from fun to dreadful. Here are some tips to help you stay on the best path towards graduation.

Applying to colleges is stressful in general but saving everything until the last minute can increase the panic and nerves. Senior, Sarabeth Haskell said that “applying early action for colleges is relieving”. Applying early action means you hear back earlier which creates less stress, knowing that you’ve gotten into somewhere by January. It also means that if you don’t get in anywhere, you have time to apply to more schools.

When choosing what classes to take senior year, don’t take all electives, just because you can. Taking AP classes have many benefits. Courses that challenge you are something colleges want to see, and it could help your chances of getting into some colleges. Taking AP classes and testing well on the AP Exam could potentially give you the chance to place out of certain classes in college. An elective that’s offered here at SHS that students often don’t know about it School to Career. This is a class where you get to look at many different jobs and really think about what you want to pursue. Afterwards, students are allowed to go view their career around Scituate. Some students went to the police station and got to see everything they did for a few weeks. Another student went to Hatherly Elementary School where they shadowed a teacher and helped out in the classroom.

While challenging classes are beneficial, it is also extremely helpful to take a study. Not only is it extra time to work on your application but senior privileges are a nice addition. If you meet the requirements and have a study that meets first or last, you can come in late or leave early.

In order to keep senior privileges, students cannot have a grade C- or lower in any class. This means that keeping grades up is important, not only for those privileges but for the reason that  colleges check up on how you’re doing and if grades slip extremely low, the acceptance can be withdrawn. Senior, Hannah Smalls says, “Taking a mixture of easy and challenging classes can be helpful, and remember not to stress out a ton.”

Senioritis is inevitable for all seniors but keeping up with work is necessary. Attendance is crucial as well because if you don’t show up to class, you cannot receive credit. If you start to lose credit there is a larger chance that you’ll be unable to graduate. On that same note, you need community service in order to graduate in June, so getting that in early is one less thing to worry about. Cap and gown money is also something to try and get in early. Senior, Anna Talbot, encourages seniors to, “check with your guidance counselor to make sure all graduation requirements are met”.

Aside from the school work, senior activities are something everyone enjoys. Another year of powder puff is always something juniors look forward to. The senior dinner dance and the end of year activities are a great way to end the year with your class. The best piece of advice to take away is to enjoy your last year in high school and your last year with the people in your grade. It goes by fast.