Your freshmen, sophomore, and junior year helped you be prepared for college, but your senior year is when you have to make it a reality. As a high school senior, I went through the admissions process this past fall. Applying to colleges and scholarships takes a lot of effort and initiative. The first few months of my senior year were a bit hectic. I had lots of homework, ACT tutoring, and college applications that had to be done in 2 months. I should have gone into my senior year with my future in mind.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your future in mind:
1. ACT/SAT is top priority- Research what test score you need to make to make you eligible for the college’s admission and scholarships. I suggest taking it every chance you have in the fall of your senior year. You don’t want to regret not putting effort into earning scholarships. I was able to raise my score by 3 points in my past ACT which saved my parents $20,000 on my college education.

2. Start applying as soon as possible- The earlier you apply the more priority you have over other freshmen. Most schools are a first come first serve basis when it comes to applying to housing and other things for your freshman year. If you get it out of the way, then you don’t have to stress about it.

3. Don’t worry it you declare an undecided major- I have been told hundreds of times that it is OK it I don’t know what I want to major in. Instead of narrowing down the majors you want, find out what is not a good fit for you. If you hate needles and blood, odds are you won’t want to be a nurse. If you are and impatient person and don’t like to be around kids, odds are you won’t want to become a teacher. Realizing your strengths and weaknesses can help you make your decision about what to major in.

4. Focus on what is best for you- Lots of people will give advice, but it might not be right for you. Don’t let people tell you what jobs or majors aren’t good, everyone is gifted differently so don’t let people speak for you.

5. Deadlines- Colleges don’t care if you didn’t know or you were to busy and forgot to submit application or scholarship applications. They have thousands of other students to worry about so excuses will not help. Be aware of the deadlines and submit everything as soon as possible.

6. Enjoy your senior year!!- By now you will have a different mind set then when you were a freshmen or sophomore. This will be your last year with your class so make the best of it.

The first semester of your senior year will be packed full of responsibilities, so to keep track of everything check out the HorizonPoint college prep checklist and join our mailing list.