Student Life

Second-Semester Senior? How to Maximize Your Last Few Months of High School

Tiffany Sorensen, Varsity Tutors' Contributor

January 06, 2016

Second-Semester Senior? How to Maximize Your Last Few Months of High School
What you do in these last few months of the school year is critical.
You are nearing the high school finish line! What you do in these last few months of the school year is critical. You should, of course, keep your academic record in good shape, but you should also look toward opportunities to develop interpersonal skills. A healthy social life can be beneficial in both the personal and the professional sense. Let’s see why...

1. Start networking

In the post-high school years, networking can help you secure a substantial amount of jobs and other professional opportunities. Networking is the exchange of information among individuals with a common interest. It is ideal that students start to learn the concept of networking now, as the value of professional relationships only increases in college.
Many prospective employers like to receive applications from candidates with whom they share a connection. Said connection could be having graduated from the same university, belonging to the same Greek organization, or even having mutual friends. Do not underestimate the value of connecting with people in your field of interest. These individuals can share important tips about whether the field is right for you, where to look for jobs, and how to manage tricky situations.

2. Leave the past behind you

Maybe there has been some tension between you and a fellow classmate, coaches, or others, for one reason or another. Disagreements are a part of life. However, it is in your best interest to let go of any grudges or hard feelings you may have. The end of high school is the ideal time to leave the past behind you—as well as to learn from it. Mending a relationship can be as simple as inviting someone out for coffee. Apologize if you have done something wrong, and forgive others when the occasion calls for it. This mentality will serve you well in high school and beyond. By mending relationships, you will start college with a conscience free of regrets and negative feelings. In addition, you never know when you could run into someone from your past. The classmate you did not get along with in math class could end up being a future colleague!

3. Enjoy yourself

Graduation is a turning point that is bittersweet for high school seniors; it signifies exciting new beginnings, but also immense, and often scary, change. Many of the people you are used to seeing every day at your high school—teachers, administrators, classmates, etc.— are people you might not see again. Therefore, there is no better time to start spending more quality time with those who matter to you. This may include going to social events, such as end-of-year celebrations, award ceremonies, and graduation get-togethers. It may include going to more club meetings, participating in volunteer activities, enjoying yourself at the prom, or attending your school’s sports games. It is highly imperative to finish high school strong, as college admissions offers can be revoked if a student performs poorly in his or her last semester. Keep up the good work, but also allow yourself to have some fun this spring. Find a balance between a solid social life and a productive semester of classes. To make the most of the remaining months of high school, consider taking these measures. These three steps are incredibly important for students’ future careers and their personal well-being. Best of luck!

Tiffany Sorensen is a professional tutor and contributing writer with Varsity Tutors, a live learning platform that connects students with personalized instruction to accelerate academic achievement.

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