Dec. 16, 2024
By Rayan Yamout
Editor
As deadlines loom around every corner, time is scarce for seniors. Whether it be college applications, homework or leadership commitments in extracurricular activities, seniors often feel like they don’t have a second to spare.
Juggling so many responsibilities can be difficult. So, how do seniors do it?
Using a calendar and having a daily “to-do” list has made all the difference for me. Before doing so, I struggled to stay organized. I had little to no time to myself and spent hours doing homework after coming home late from my after-school activities.
Keeping track of my tasks has allowed me to reserve sufficient time for homework and make progress on my college applications.
The college application process can be intimidating and stressful, but it becomes easier when it is organized and planned. Throughout November, I dedicated at least a half-hour each weekday to progressing through my applications. On weekends, I considered what I accomplished and then mapped out an itinerary for the upcoming week.
“Having good time management skills benefits seniors in every aspect of their lives.”
Seniors must remain aware of application deadlines and other dates relating to scholarships, auditions and college athletics. Taking advantage of scholarships is crucial because it saves students a lot of money and makes it possible for them to attend their dream school.
Those applying for financial aid should not only fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, but also use application fee waiver codes provided by certain colleges and fill out the College Scholarship Service Profile administered by the College Board. The CSS Profile is an online application that students use to apply for non-federal financial aid from colleges and scholarship programs, providing a more detailed overview of a family’s financial situation than the FAFSA alone.
While it is important to submit a strong college application, seniors must also perform well academically. Setting and completing academic goals, such as earning good test scores and maintaining a high GPA, remain necessary.
Seniors should also keep up with their personal goals. This could be checking items off their bucket list, performing in a show, setting an athletic record or pursuing any other objectives they have been striving to fulfill.
Having good time management skills benefits seniors in every aspect of their lives. They will perform better academically and in extracurriculars all while having a steady routine and sufficient time to complete college applications and work toward other goals.
Time is fleeting, so make the most of it and use it wisely. It is never too late to develop these skills, which will prove useful in college and beyond.
