Ten Easy Tips to Breeze through Senior Year

Four years have passed and the time has flown by. Whew! Now that you have made it to senior year, here are a few tips on how to make it out of there! Take it from a person who has paid for their mistakes. This is your formal introduction to the real world, and trust me you must make a good impression. Get ready to take some notes!

Tip #1
Open your mind. Explore and learn about all opportunities. Consult with your guidance counselor on a weekly basis. Do not feel as if you are bugging them. They are there to help you!

Tip #2
Research a variety of careers. Talk to all types career people: doctors, artists, teachers, lawyers, musicians anyone who give you first hand insight on the career you want to pursue.

Tip #3
Attend any function with the word "college" in the title. You never know, someone there can be practically waiting to give you a full scholarship. Repeat after me: no show, no chance.
Tip #4
Be sure to study hard and take all tests seriously. Put your best foot forward.
Tip #5
Have you ever sat down to write an essay and your mind goes blank? Practice writing everyday. This tool will come in handy for important tests, such as the SAT. After a few rounds, you will be ready to knock out that exam.

Tip #6
Don’t doubt yourself; apply to Yale, Harvard, and Princeton! You can never really pin point what college admission officers are looking for, so aim high. Remember, this is an investment into your future.
Tip #7
Learn about financial aid. By now you should already be familiar with all types of grants, loans, scholarships and more. You must fill out the application for financial aid, known as the FAFSA every year. Complete it correctly, and on time. The earlier you send the application in, grants you more money! As a recent college graduate, I have witness many students come and go because they could not afford tuition. Apply to as many scholarships as possible. Even after you are accepted and you get those straight A’s, ask the college for more money!

Tip #8
It is college tour time. Go! You get to meet new people, get familiar with campus life, and its fun! So what if it runs right into your plans to go to the movies over the weekend. Sometimes candidates get accepted on the spot. So suck it up and go!

Tip #9
Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines and more deadlines! I know you are probably pulling your hair out by now, but you can get familiar with the calendar because you are going to need it. Mark important deadlines in big, bold, red marker and check your calendar daily to be sure that you are on task.

Tip #10
Last but certainly not least, if I have not reiterated it enough, do not procrastinate. I know your happy that you’re a senior and you feel like it’s time to party. Save all the celebrating for summer vacation because now the real work has just begun.
LOOK BELOW FOR IMPORTANT INFO!
FAFSA on the Web applications must be submitted by midnight Central Daylight time, June 30, 2008.
Corrections on the Web forms must be submitted by midnight Central Daylight time, September 15, 2008.
SAT registration deadline is January 29, 2008 and the last day to take the exam is March 1, 2008.
Call college or university admission office or visit their website to find application deadline information.
**Visit collegeboard.com for more information on the SAT.
**Visit fafsa.ed.gov for more information on the financial aid application
**Visit fastweb.com for scholarship and college and university information
**Visit blackstudents.com for scholarships, jobs, and internship information.
**Visit Petersons.com for a college and university search tailored to your needs.