As the year draws to a close, both juniors and seniors in high school have a lot on their plates. Whether it’s preparing for exams, navigating financial aid, or planning for the future, this season is a prime opportunity for students to wrap up their goals and set the stage for what’s to come. Here’s a week-by-week guide for December, focusing on essential tasks for juniors and seniors.
Week 1: December Test Prep and FAFSA
- Juniors: SAT Prep (December 7th) The SAT is just around the corner, and now is the time to zero in on test preparation. Consider using study tools like practice exams, online resources, or even working with a tutor to build confidence and refine skills. For many juniors, this will be their first SAT, so creating a balanced study schedule can be invaluable.
- Seniors: FAFSA (Opens December 1st) December 1st marks the opening of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) period. Completing the FAFSA early can improve a student’s chances of receiving financial aid, as many colleges and states have limited funds and award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Set aside time with family to gather required documents, such as tax returns and other financial information, to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible.
Week 2: Continuing ACT Prep and Scholarship Applications
- Juniors: ACT Prep (December 14th) If the ACT is in your plans, continue test prep for the December 14th exam date. Just as with the SAT, using targeted practice to strengthen weaker areas and reinforce stronger ones will make a difference. Regular, focused study sessions help to reduce test-day anxiety and improve performance.
- Seniors: Scholarship Applications Scholarships can be critical for covering college costs, and many deadlines for outside scholarships are in December or early January. Dedicate time each week to researching and applying for scholarships that match your interests, academic achievements, or extracurricular involvement. Scholarship websites and your high school’s guidance office can be valuable resources for finding opportunities.
Week 3: Finish Out Finals Strong
- Juniors and Seniors: Finishing Strong in Finals With the holiday break just around the corner, it’s tempting to ease up. But keeping focus through finals is essential. Final grades can have a major impact on your GPA, especially for juniors looking to strengthen their college applications and for seniors aiming to maintain their standings for college acceptance. Use time management techniques and set specific study goals to keep momentum through these last exams.
Week 4: Family Conversations and College Acceptance Letters
- Juniors: Family Career Conversations The holiday season is a great time for juniors to connect with family members about their careers and fields of study. Use this time to ask relatives about their work, the paths they took, and what they love (or don’t love) about their jobs. Gaining insights from others can spark new interests or help confirm potential career ideas, shaping your goals as you move closer to college planning.
- Seniors: College Acceptance Letters For seniors, December is often the month when college acceptance letters begin arriving. Be sure to monitor your email and postal mail, and take note of any response deadlines for accepted offers. If you receive multiple acceptances, start comparing the schools, including costs, program strengths, campus environment, and other factors that matter most to you.
Wrapping Up the Year: Reflect and Recharge
This month’s tasks for juniors and seniors are essential stepping stones toward future goals, from test prep and financial aid to academic achievements and career exploration. As the new year approaches, take time to celebrate your progress, reflect on your experiences, and recharge for the journey ahead.