Arts & Entertainment Editor
Rising seniors, the year you’ve been anticipating is finally in sight. In preparation for your senior year, Legacy has compiled some helpful tips for the class of 2013. If you set your goals ahead of time and follow through with them, you will have a great senior year.
1- Plan Ahead for AP Exams
You don’t want to reach the spring semester with seven AP exams to take, as your scores may suffer from the lack of preparation time, and your course load may not be able to recover from a week of absences. Begin studying for your exams throughout the year, and use the spacing effect to your advantage; studying thirty minutes a week will have a longer lasting effect than cramming two hours the night before your exam. It is important to prepare yourself for every possible outcome; however, the scores you take during the second semester of your senior year will not be sent to the colleges until after you already have committed to a school.
You don’t want to reach the spring semester with seven AP exams to take, as your scores may suffer from the lack of preparation time, and your course load may not be able to recover from a week of absences. Begin studying for your exams throughout the year, and use the spacing effect to your advantage; studying thirty minutes a week will have a longer lasting effect than cramming two hours the night before your exam. It is important to prepare yourself for every possible outcome; however, the scores you take during the second semester of your senior year will not be sent to the colleges until after you already have committed to a school.
2- Visit College Campuses Multiple TimesVisit the campus of every college where you plan to apply to ensure that the money spent on your application is well spent. After receiving your acceptance letters, attend the orientations for your potential schools and narrow your choices based on which school you feel is your best fit. Multiple visits to campuses should result in an increased feeling of comfort with your school of choice. Your time in college should be both comfortable and academically tailored to your success, because your campus will be your home for the next four years.
3- Plan Ahead for Teacher RecommendationsAsk your teachers for recommendations as early into the semester as possible. Your chances of receiving an original, heartfelt letter will be increased tenfold if your chosen teacher hasn’t been bogged down by thirty similar requests. Bring a stamped, addressed envelope. Be sure to provide any necessary information, including an up-to-date resume. The sooner you ask, the more likely you are to get the letter you want.
4- Get as Much Accomplished in the Summer
If you’ve been putting off that road trip with your friends or waiting to put the finishing touches on your latest masterpiece, the summer before you leave for college will be the prime time for completion. If you haven’t had a part time job before your senior year, it’s time to play catch up. Even if you focus on your academics throughout the school year, adding work experience to your resume will help you in the long run.
5- Take Leadership Roles in Extracurricular Activities
Colleges will be looking for you to be a well rounded student, so instead of joining as many clubs as possible, focus on the clubs you’ve already been attending and make a name for yourself. Being president of one club will take you farther than being a regular member of three. Once you’ve found your niche, be sure to regularly attend the club’s meetings and volunteer for activities. If you’re interested in pursuing your extracurricular activities on a collegiate level, it will be to your advantage to say that you did more for a club than simply show up on time.
