As a senior, picking classes can be a nightmare. “Take hard classes to get colleges to notice you. But not so hard you tank your GPA. Also, focus on what you want to do for the rest of your life. But don’t burn yourself out, and don’t forget to take APs.”
It’s exhausting and repetitive, and in the end, you still end up with no idea what to do. So if this sounds like you, grab a chair, get settled, ignore your parents and teachers for a while, and let a guy you don’t know tell you exactly what to do.
First off, try out an advanced class. Why not? Worst case scenario you don’t like it and decide to switch classes. But if you find you’re able to keep up with the coursework and enjoy the class, you not only have something to look forward to every day, but you stand out academically to colleges when you apply.
If you do choose to take one or more difficult classes, try to balance them out with some less demanding ones. Enroll in classes you can relax in to give your brain a well-deserved break. You can always take an early release or a late start to get ahead of your homework as well.
“I avoid burnout by having a lot of early releases,” says Jachai Gates, a Wilsonville senior currently taking three AP classes. “I have two early releases on B days, meaning I get off at lunch, and on A days, I have late arrival which lightens my workload even more.”
It’s not uncommon for seniors to take it easy, especially in the second semester, when colleges have already sent back their decisions. Just keep in mind that in the digital age, colleges can see your transcript at the click of a button, and it’s not unheard of for colleges to revoke an acceptance for slipping grades or significant changes in schedule.
This fact can push some seniors to go the extra mile with college around the corner. “I’m taking four APs,” says Brayson Roethler, another Wilsonville senior. “I’m also an active participant in my community, which helps colleges to see that I’m not taking it easy my senior year.”
With all that being said, your life is your own, and the classes you take should reflect that. If you could commit one sentence to mind it should be this: Try to take classes you’ll enjoy and remember to balance your schedule. No matter what you decide to do your senior year, you can’t go wrong trying your best.
