Ah, spring of senior year. The finish line is in sight, and you’re balancing between "Can I just graduate already?" and "Oh no, am I actually ready for college?" Fear not, dear senior. Here’s your ultimate guide to what you should be doing in March and April to make sure you’re set for college and not just procrastinating your way into adulthood.
1. Check Your College Acceptances (and Try Not to Panic)
If you’ve applied to multiple schools, you should start getting acceptance letters, waitlist notifications, or (gulp) rejection emails.
If you get waitlisted, send a letter of continued interest if you’re still serious about that school.
If you get rejected, remember: even famous geniuses got rejection letters. You’ll be fine.
Celebrate your wins! (And maybe frame that acceptance letter for dramatic effect.)
2. Compare Financial Aid Offers (Because College Ain’t Cheap)
Colleges love sending complicated financial aid letters. Now’s the time to decipher them.
Compare grants, scholarships, work-study offers, and (sigh) loans.
If your financial situation has changed, reach out to financial aid offices to ask for a reevaluation. Yes, you can negotiate financial aid!
Look out for hidden fees—like that "student activity fee" that covers who-knows-what.
3. Apply for Scholarships Like Your Life Depends on It
Just because you got into college doesn’t mean you should stop hunting for free money.
There are scholarships for literally everything—being left-handed, loving llamas, or just having a pulse. Apply for as many as you can.
Pro tip: Local scholarships = less competition. Hit up community organizations, credit unions, and small businesses.
4. Make Your Final Decision (Cue the Dramatic Music)
National College Decision Day is May 1st, so you have until then to commit.
Think about factors beyond rankings: location, campus vibe, your intended major, and (let’s be real) food quality.
If you’re stuck between two schools, revisit them (even virtually) and weigh pros and cons like an actual adult.
Once you decide, submit your enrollment deposit and let other colleges know you’re declining their offer (don’t ghost them, it’s rude).
5. Prepare for the Great Housing Lottery
Figure out where you’re living next year (dorm, apartment, Hogwarts, etc.).
Some schools let you choose roommates, while others assign you one based on a personality quiz that feels more intense than a dating app.
Start stalking potential roommates on social media for red flags (like if they list “playing bagpipes at 3 AM” as a hobby).
6. Sign Up for Orientation & Placement Tests (Yes, More Tests)
Some colleges require placement tests for math, language, or writing. Don’t ignore these, or you’ll be stuck in a class you hate.
Orientation is where you’ll meet new friends, figure out how to get around campus, and collect free T-shirts.
7. Senioritis is Real, But Don’t Let It Destroy You
Colleges can rescind acceptances if your grades suddenly tank. So, like, maybe try just a little?
Teachers can see right through your “Does this assignment even matter?” attitude. (Spoiler: It usually does.)
Finish strong so you don’t have to explain to your parents why you suddenly got a D in English.
8. Prepare for Adulting (Because It’s Coming for You)
Learn some basic life skills: how to do laundry, budget money, and cook something that isn’t ramen.
If you haven’t already, get your driver’s license, a bank account, and any necessary vaccinations for college.
Read your college’s emails. Yes, ALL of them. They contain crucial info like deadlines and how to avoid freshman blunders.
9. Celebrate Your Wins (You Made It!)
Prom, senior trips, graduation—it’s time to enjoy the last moments of high school.
Take lots of pictures. Your future self will thank you.
Appreciate your family and friends before you all scatter to different places.
Final Thought: You Got This!
March and April might feel overwhelming, but just take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be packing up for college, ready to take on the world—or at least your freshman dorm.
Now, go forth, future college student, and conquer these last few months like the senior boss you are!