You’ve hit that time of year. AP exams are happening. Prom pics are flooding your feed. And you’re this close to putting school on autopilot. But, you need to finish strong.
We get it. You’ve worked hard, made your college decision (or are so close), and the finish line is in sight. Take a quick breath, before you mentally check out, let’s talk about what finishing strong means.
Senioritis has it’s Consequences
Colleges can (and do) rescind offers if final transcripts show a big dip in performance or if you let important deadlines slide. Even if your grades don’t crash, losing momentum now makes starting strong in the fall way harder.
Think of it like this: You’ve trained for the big race. Now you’re in the final lap. Don’t trip right before the finish line.
Stay Engaged and Active—Here’s How
1. Keep the Pedal To The Metal
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Go to class and keep doing the work. Teachers still talk to counselors and write last-minute recommendations if you need them. Read.
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Take those AP exams seriously—you could earn college credit and save real money. Each college has an overview of what scores equal what credit. Example from U Alabama
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If you’re waitlisted, work with your school counselor on a Letter of Continued Interest and updated grades (only provide what the college allows for).
2. Handle the Grown-Up Stuff
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✅ Submit your deposit to your final choice college by May 1.
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✅ Inform other colleges you won’t be attending—it’s the right thing to do and opens up spots for other students.
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✅ Review your financial aid awards—compare scholarships, loans, and out-of-pocket costs.
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✅ Request your final transcript to be sent to the college you’re attending.
3. Visit Your College (If You Can)
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Whether it’s for admitted student day, orientation or a casual visit, walking the campus as a future student has a different feel then it did when you were not “in”.
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Already visited? Take another look with fresh eyes. This time, it’s about finding your new favorite coffee shop and planning move-in.
4. Finish Strong and Celebrate Well
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Keep your grades solid.
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Say thank you to the adults who helped get you here.
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Stay active in your school community—senior events, sports, projects, concerts. Create memories.
🗓 Senior Spring Checklist
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Study and take AP exams (use www.collegeboard.org for study tips per subject
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Send your enrollment deposit to your final choice
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Decline offers from other colleges (this is nice to do)
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Review and compare your financial aid packages
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Get your final transcript sent
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Work with your counselor if you’re on a waitlist (only provide what the college allows)
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Keep your grades up
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Attend orientation or plan your campus visit
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Finalize summer plans (job, internship, travel, downtime)
Final Word from the Sharks
You’re in the home stretch, Class of 2025—and we’re cheering you on. Finish proud. Finish strong. Set yourself up for a confident, successful start to college.
And remember, we’re always swimming beside you. 🦈💙
Need help reviewing aid offers or prepping for summer?
Follow us on Instagram @CollegeSharks
or visit www.CollegeSharks.com — let’s take a bite out of what’s next.