The top 5 things to do your senior year

Senior year is here, and it probably feels like a whirlwind of emotions … excitement, nervousness, and maybe a little bit of 'wait, what do I do next?' While you're balancing classes, activities, and probably even a part-time job, there are some important steps you can take now to set yourself up for success after graduation.

Here are five essential things every high school senior should do this year:

1. Research your post-graduation options

You've probably been thinking about what comes after high school, but now it's time to get serious about your research. Whether you're considering a four-year university, a career college, entering the workforce directly, or even taking a gap year, you need to understand what each path involves.

If you're interested in career-focused training, spend time looking into specific programs. What fields interest you? What kind of training do those careers require? What are the job prospects like in those industries?

Don't limit yourself to what your friends are doing or what seems like the "expected" choice. This is your future, and the best path for you might look different from everyone else's. Talk to school counselors, reach out to admissions representatives, and attend college fairs or information sessions. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to make a decision that's right for you.

2. Fill out the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a form determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs — and many schools use it to award their own financial aid too.

The FAFSA opens on October 1st for the following academic year, so you can start filling it out early in your senior year. Don't put this off! Some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you apply, the better.

You'll need your parents' financial information (unless you qualify as an independent student), your Social Security number, and some other basic details. The form might seem intimidating at first, but there are resources available to help you through it. Your school counselor can assist, and many schools host FAFSA completion events.

Even if you're not sure you'll qualify for aid, fill it out anyway. You might be surprised by what you're eligible for, and you can't receive any federal aid without completing the FAFSA.

3. Apply for scholarships

Speaking of money for school: scholarships are essentially free money that you don't have to pay back. Yes, they require some effort to apply for, but that effort can pay off in a big way.

Start by looking for scholarships through organizations you're already connected to — your school, your parents' employers, community organizations, or religious groups. Then branch out to larger scholarship databases and programs, like the Imagine America Foundation.

The Imagine America Foundation offers scholarships for high school seniors planning to attend career colleges. Many individual schools offer their own scholarships too, so ask about what's available at any school you're considering.

Don't just apply to the huge, well-known scholarships with thousands of applicants. Smaller, local scholarships often have less competition and can really add up. And remember, scholarship searching isn't just a one-time thing — keep looking throughout your senior year and even into your first year of college.

4. Visit schools and talk to current students

Brochures and websites can only tell you so much. If at all possible, visit the schools you're seriously considering. Walk around campus, check out the facilities, and get a feel for the environment.

For career colleges, pay special attention to the training facilities and equipment. Are the labs and workshops well-equipped? Does the technology look current? Can you picture yourself learning there?

Try to talk to current students too. They can give you honest insights about what it's really like to attend that school … the good and the not-so-good. Ask about their experiences with instructors, the workload, career services, and whether they'd make the same choice again.

If you can't visit in person, many schools offer virtual tours or information sessions. While it's not quite the same as being there, it's still better than relying solely on marketing materials.

5. Keep your grades up

This might seem obvious, but it's worth saying: don't let senioritis derail your final year. Yes, you're ready to be done with high school, but your performance this year still matters.

Many scholarships and admissions decisions are based in part on your final transcripts. Some schools may rescind acceptance offers if your grades drop significantly. And beyond the practical reasons, finishing strong is about proving to yourself that you can follow through on your commitments.

Plus, the study habits and discipline you maintain now will serve you well in your next educational experience, whether that's at a career college, a four-year university, or any other training program.

Looking ahead

Senior year goes by fast, and before you know it, graduation day will be here. By taking these steps now — researching your options, handling the financial aid process, applying for scholarships, visiting schools, and staying focused on your academics — you'll be ready to step confidently into whatever comes next.

The Imagine America Foundation is here to support you as you explore career college options, and creating a profile on our website doesn’t lock you into any decisions, so we encourage you to do it! Our database of partner schools can help you find quality programs that match your interests and goals. Your future starts with the decisions you make this year, so make them count.