“Be warned, juniors, senior year is not easy,” senior Jasmine Pringle said.

It seems that as the year comes to an end, seniors across the hallways collectively breathe a loud sigh of relief, as the year finally seems to come to a close.

“It’s been a long, long, long, LONG and stressful year. I was not prepared for this,” senior Aysha Ghaffar said. “I mean, a lot of seniors last year told me how fun and easy senior year was going to be. I’m kind of sitting here waiting for that to happen.”

In an effort to help juniors to steer clear from the deathly ailment that is senioritis, which often shows symptoms far earlier than what can be considered healthy, your fellow senior class and The A-Blast upperclassmen have decided to share the problems that plagued them during this tumultuous year. This is an earnest effort in hopes that future students heed to their advice.

Listen up juniors; senior year is not all fun and games.

In fact the first semester is work, a lot of work and there are certain things you need to know before throwing your cap in the air and walking the stage at Constitution Hall.

 The College Process Begins Now

It’s never too early to start the college process. Yes, even in the midst of summer where the last thing you want to think of is school.

“I was very anxious about the whole college application process and I felt like I had no one to help me,” senior Kowthar Said said.

The Common Application opens up on Aug. 1. Start it now. Here at The A-Blast, an overwhelming majority of seniors recommend that you at least begin the clerical part of the application.

“You don’t necessarily have to start your essays,” senior Tahani Yosuf said. “But I would have a clear idea of ideas of possible topics, but the first part where you simply fill in information, that should be completely finished.”

“Also, make sure you research the colleges you want thoroughly, I say, your list [of colleges to apply to] should finish taking shape,” senior Jaskiran Kaur said.

“The fall will be very stressful, but they [juniors] can alleviate that stress by thinking about where they want to apply to college over summer break,” career specialist Robin Roth said. “Also, they should have a list of schools. Six is plenty,” Roth said.

Taking the SATs early is also vital.

“Take the SATs and ACTs in June as well as the following fall,” Roth said.

Avoid Senioritis at all costs

Colleges will often times, even if you apply early decision, see your first semester grades, so slacking off and catching senioritis is not a possibility.

“You have to finish strong, don’t let the last few months pull you down and tarnish all the work you’ve done in the past four years. Senioritis is real and it can haunt you. You have to push through or you can go down bad – real bad,” senior Jasmine Pringle said.

“Don’t procrastinate. It’s hard because on the one hand it’s really tempting to just throw your homework away, miss class and relax but you know that you have to keep pushing through. fourth quarter is your reward, but you have to get there. If you start planning now, you might be able to breathe,” Kaur said.

Often times juniors and even seniors find themselves anticipating the days they hold their diploma.

“Graduation will be the greatest day of my life,” junior Ariana Islam said.

However, leading education professors are concerned. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics, reported that in the fall of  2000, 20% of entering freshmen at four-year public institutions took a remedial course, while 42% at community colleges did.  Stanford Education professor, Michael Kirst has been leading the initiative in voicing his concerns.

“If you are not well-prepared to succeed in college,” Kirst said. “Then the senior year is your last chance to be

prepared.”

“Don’t slack off senior year!” senior Jackey Mendez said.

Attempt to find your passion

“I think it’s important that students are involved in something that they are extremely passionate about. Don’t try to just involve yourself in everything,” Said said. “There’s a misconception that colleges want to see a student who is in every activity and club a school has to offer, but that’s not true. Be involved in a few clubs, but be extremely passionate about them and put all your effort in making them succeed.”

Have fun

It’s your last year and it’s stressful, but don’t forget that this is also an end to an extremely poignant part of your life. Have fun, enjoy it, cherish it, because senior year is the end of a pivotal point and transgression into adulthood.

“Remember to just have fun. It is your last year of high school. Make the best fit. Don’t worry too much about schoolwork and to focus on what you plan to do in the future,” senior Alishia Sampene said.

Go to every game, go to every AHS event, partake in spirit week, and hang out with your friends when you have the chance because before you know it, it will be fourth quarter and your going to reminisce on these years. College is exciting and it can be easy to rush into it, but high school is an experience that you will learn from and cherish, make it worthwhile while you have the chance.