Senior year isn’t just another school year—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime season filled with milestones, decisions, and bittersweet “lasts.” But for many moms (and teens), it can also feel like a whirlwind of deadlines and emotions. The key to making senior year less stressful—and more memorable—is getting ahead of the curve before the first day. Here are 6 must-dos before senior year that will help set you up for success.
1. Start College Applications Tasks
– Research potential colleges and universities
– Start brainstorming essay ideas
– Gather recommendation letters
– Review early application deadlines
2. Get Organized
– Have a family calendar everyone can access and see what’s coming up
– Teens should have their own paper planner or Google calendar
– Have a landing place for everything senior related- a binder, a Trello board, or a file folder
3. Add Important Date to Calendars
– Deadlines, college visits, senior photos
– School events and senior celebrations
– Holidays and school breaks
– Important tests like AP exams, SATs and ACTs
4. Gather Resources
– Senior Info Packet from school
– Print out your copy of The Ultimate Senior Guide
– College information/tour schedules
– College prep consultant
– Sorority prep/coach if applicable
5. Have a Way To Track and Compare Potential Colleges
– Create a spreadsheet with important info about each
– Use a printable tracker or organized notebook
– Include a pros and cons list
– Don’t forget to add scholarship opportunities if applicable
6. Plan Out Goals for the Year
– They can be both personal and academic
– Do something you’ve never done
– Build routines- morning, evening, or weekly self-care you can stick with
– Create a vision board to help you envision this year
