goals for senior year essay

A Senior’s Guide to Setting Goals that Stick

Written by Jordan McElwain — Updated: Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Setting goals is important regardless of your age and career status. While you can set and change goals at any time, it’s common to use the end of the year as a milestone. Whether you’re setting “resolutions” or goals, this guide will help you understand the importance of setting them, learn what kinds of goals are common for older adults, and find tips and tools to help you stay on track. 

Why setting goals is important for older adults

It’s common for retirees to feel a bit lost when they face a sudden increase in free time. In fact, it’s not uncommon for retirees to look for new hobbies or even return to work to fill their time. Whether you’re currently working or not, goals can help you find purpose in each day outside of work. And it turns out that having a sense of purpose in life can help reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments. 

Without a goal or something else to focus on, some people feel no reason to maintain a routine. The presence of a goal (or multiple goals) gives us something to work toward each day. Goals also often help us improve our overall happiness and/or health. 

Where do most seniors focus their goals?

Common goals and New Year’s resolutions center around relationships, health, money, learning, and traveling. In general, your goals should help you focus on achieving something that will make you healthier and/or happier. Many goals can address both happiness and health. For example, you may have a goal to spend more time with friends and family. This will not only make you happier because you’ll spend more time with people you love, but it could also help to improve your mental health, especially if you’re experiencing loneliness. 

Health goals

Health goals tied to weight loss, diet, exercise, and staying sharp can help you live a longer, healthier life. These goals can also have a positive impact on your happiness and finances. When setting health goals, think about how you’ll define success. For example, “losing weight,” is a good area of focus, but tying a measurement (in inches or pounds) can help you understand when you’ve officially achieved your goal. This can also help you set milestones, which we’ll dive into later.

Relationship goals

Humans are social beings, and we crave human connection. If you’ve felt lonely or a lack of support, then setting goals to nurture existing relationships and/or build new ones may be a good idea. These relationships could be romantic, platonic, or with family. Think about the type of support you’re looking for to determine which relationships you want to work on.

Financial goals

Our finances can affect more than just our wallets. Debt and financial concerns can weigh on us mentally, and many seniors are concerned about being able to afford even basic needs in retirement. Financial goals can go beyond just “cutting back,” to include finding an additional source of income, improving your health to reduce healthcare costs, and finding ways to share some services and costs with others. 

Continued learning goals

Continuing to grow by picking up new hobbies or learning new skills can engage the mind. As a result, learning new things can help you feel accomplished while also improving your cognitive or physical health. Websites like Masterclass, Udemy, and edX provide a variety of online learning options and many libraries, community colleges, and community centers offer in-person classes. 

Travel goals

While not all fears of COVID-19 have passed, travel is picking back up. In our recent survey, 43% of seniors indicated that they’ve set goals focused on traveling in 2023. If you’re not up to traveling far distances, you can consider day trips to nearby places or visiting landmarks and parks in your hometown that you just haven’t made it to yet. Both international and domestic travel can have tremendous benefits—just make sure to consider some of the hidden costs of traveling to protect your budget.

How to set goals that you’ll stick with

Setting goals takes practice, but getting started (or jumping back in) with tips for success can help you learn what works a little faster. When setting and tracking your goals, keep these four tips in mind to give yourself a better chance at achieving your goals.

Be realistic

Goals should be challenging, but they should also be realistic—and finding the right balance is one of the most difficult aspects of setting goals that will stick. Be kind to yourself and remember that change doesn’t happen overnight. So, if you want to lose weight, don’t set a goal to lose 15 pounds in 2 weeks. It’s simply not possible to do this in a way that’s healthy. 

With your goal in mind (whether it’s losing weight or learning a new language), think about what steps you’ll be taking to get there. Based on those steps, you can set a realistic timeline. While it’s okay to set stretch goals (goals that are extra ambitious), you should keep the aggressiveness of the goal in mind when you reflect on your progress. Oftentimes, hitting 80-90% of a stretch goal is something to be incredibly proud of.

Create a plan with milestones

Creating a plan of action and breaking up your goals into smaller pieces can help make even the largest goals feel more manageable.

For example, if you want to learn a new language, you’ll need to determine how you’re going to learn. Will you use an app, like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone, or do you plan to attend classes at a community center or college? Once you’ve decided how you’ll learn, you should decide on a practice schedule. Your schedule should keep your timeline in mind. If you want to learn basic Spanish for a trip you’re going on in 6 months, then you should consider how long you’ll need to practice each day (or week) to learn within those 6 months. 

From here, set milestones that will help you track success. For some goals, you may need to create quiz-like settings to track progress. Milestones for learning a new language could include being able to explain directions from your house to the grocery store or ordering a meal. There are guides out there for pretty much everything, so if you’re not sure what steps you should take or how you should track progress for your specific goal, search online to find helpful resources. 

Check in regularly

Setting a time to check in on your progress will help you realize sooner if you’re falling behind or need to adjust your goal. Regular check-ins will look different depending on your preferences and goals. For example, if your goal takes time (like losing weight), then checking in daily may be more discouraging than encouraging. However, if part of your goal is to exercise 3-5 times each week, then checking in daily or weekly can help you get back on track if you begin to fall off. When you set your goal, think about how often it makes sense to check in, and make that a part of your goal.

Don’t call it quits if you miss a milestone

Setting goals that are manageable yet challenging is difficult, so it’s common to miss goals. If you fall off track or try your best but don’t quite hit your goals, don’t call it quits! Instead, take some time to reflect on what went wrong, then reset and keep working at it.

Resources that can help you stay on track

Setting goals is common, and there is no shortage of resources to help you stay on track. When thinking about how you’ll stay on track, consider what works best for you. Some people like to actively think about their goal every single day. If this is you, consider a habit-tracking app or daily journal. Others need external support to hold themselves accountable. If this is you, think about a friend or family member who you can check in with regularly. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to have the same goals to hold each other accountable! 

Below is a list of resources you can consider to help yourself stay on track. If one doesn’t work for you, don’t worry! Learning how to set and stick to goals takes practice, and each person needs something different. 

Use a daily journal to track your progress and reflect on any challenges you’re facing in the steps to achieve your goals.

Habit-tracking apps offer a quick way to check in on daily activities.

Connect with a friend or family member to help each other stay accountable. Make sure you’re both prepared to cheer each other on and help each other get back on track if you start to waiver. 

Budgeting apps can help you set and stick to your financial goals, and there are plenty available! 

If you’ve had trouble sticking with goals or resolutions in the past, you’re not alone. The majority of Americans do not achieve their New Year’s resolutions—but that shouldn’t discourage you from setting them! Setting the right goals and finding ways to motivate yourself take practice. If you do fail, rather than giving up, take time to reflect on what went wrong, then reset and try again. 

Want to learn more about how the 65+ population approaches goals?

Read our report on the Goal Setting Habits of Seniors.

Get Medicare, Maximized

• Essay Editor

How to Write an Essay About My Goal: A Comprehensive Guide

In the ever-evolving journey of life, setting clear objectives and ambitions is crucial. Whether these goals are short-term or stretch into the far reaches of our future, they act as guiding lights in our journey. This guide will assist you in articulating and expressing these ambitions effectively, especially when it comes to writing them down.

Understanding the Importance of Goal Setting

Setting life goals is a combination of introspection and foresight. It demands an understanding of one's current standing and a clear vision for the future. By penning down your goals, you not only provide yourself a clear road map but also make a commitment to yourself to achieve them.

How To Write An Essay About My Life Goals

• Introduction : Initiate with an engaging hook—be it a quote, question, or anecdote—that aligns with your goal.
• State your main goal : Elucidate on what your primary life objective is. Be it professional success, personal achievement, or societal contribution, clarify your aim.
• The 'Why' behind the goal : Delve into your motivations. Discuss the driving forces behind this ambition.
• Steps to achieve : Provide a roadmap. Enumerate the steps you'd undertake to transform this goal into a reality.
• Potential Challenges : Highlight potential obstacles and your strategies to navigate them.
• Conclusion : Summarize and re-emphasize your dedication towards your objective.

Career Goal Essay Definition

It's essential to differentiate between life goals and career goals. While the former encompasses broader objectives, a career goal essay underscores your professional aspirations, detailing why they matter and how you plan to attain them.

How Long is a Professional Goal Statement?

A professional goal statement's length can vary but should be concise. Ranging typically from 500 to 1000 words, it should capture your aspirations succinctly. Always adhere to specific guidelines if provided.

What to Avoid While Writing Your Career Goal Essay

• Ambiguity: Always be specific. • Unsubstantiated lofty goals: Your ambitions should be grounded in reality. • Neglecting personal growth: Showcase how your past has shaped your future. • Reiteration: Stay succinct and steer clear of repetition.

My Future Goals Essay: 12 Models

• Entrepreneurial Aspirations : Launching a sustainable fashion startup by 2030.
• Technological Goals : Developing an AI-driven community healthcare system.
• Educational Objectives : Attaining a Ph.D. in Quantum Physics.
• Artistic Pursuits : Holding a solo art exhibition in a renowned gallery.
• Societal Contributions : Establishing a foundation for underprivileged children's education.
• Scientific Aspirations : Contributing to renewable energy research.
• Medical Goals : Becoming a pediatric surgeon and researching rare childhood diseases.
• Travel Objectives : Visiting every UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Sports Ambitions : Completing an Ironman Triathlon.
• Literary Goals : Publishing a trilogy of fantasy novels.
• Environmental Aims : Pioneering a city-wide recycling initiative.
• Leadership Aspirations : Becoming the CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

Articulating one's life and career goals requires introspection, clarity, and foresight. This guide offers a structured blueprint to ensure your essay not only adheres to academic standards but genuinely resonates with your aspirations and dreams. Whether you're grappling with questions like "what should I write in my college essay?" or "how to draft a goal statement?", this guide is here to light the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the ideal structure for a future career essay? Start with an engaging introduction about your aspirations. In the body, detail the steps you plan to take, experiences that have guided you, and why you chose this career. End with a conclusion summarizing your determination and future vision.
• How do I ensure my career goals essay stands out? Incorporate personal stories or experiences that shaped your goals. Be specific about your aspirations and how you plan to achieve them.
• How can I relate my past experiences to my future career in the essay? Highlight skills, lessons, or challenges from your past and demonstrate how they have directed or prepared you for your future career.
• What should I avoid when writing an essay about my career goals? Avoid being too vague about your goals. Steer clear of clichés, and ensure your goals are realistic and grounded.
• How long should my essay about my goal be? This depends on the requirement. Usually, personal statements are between 500-700 words. Always adhere to the specified word limit.
• Can I include short-term and long-term goals in my essay? Absolutely! Detailing both shows planning and vision. Highlight how short-term goals will pave the way for long-term objectives.
• How do I conclude my essay about my goals effectively? Reiterate your dedication to these goals, reflect on the journey ahead, and end with a note of optimism and determination.

Related articles

Plagiarism: 7 types in detail.

Your professor says that it is necessary to avoid plagiarism when writing a research paper, essay, or any project based on the works of other people, so to say, any reference source. But what does plagiarism mean? What types of it exist? And how to formulate the material to get rid of potential bad consequences while rendering original texts? Today we try to answer these very questions. Plagiarism: Aspect in Brief Plagiarism is considered to be a serious breach, able to spoil your successful ...

Paraphrasing vs Plagiarism: Do They Really Differ?

Academic assignments require much knowledge and skill. One of the most important points is rendering and interpreting material one has ever studied. A person should avoid presenting word-for-word plagiarism but express his or her thoughts and ideas as much as possible. However, every fine research is certain to be based on the previous issues, data given, or concepts suggested. And here it's high time to differentiate plagiarism and paraphrasing, to realize its peculiarities and cases of usage. ...

What is Citation and Why Should You Cite the Sources When Writing Content

When we write something for school, work, or just for fun, we often use ideas and facts from other places. This makes us ask: what is a citation in writing? Let's find out what this means and why it's really important when we write. What is Citation? Citation in research refers to the practice of telling your readers where you got your information, ideas, or exact words from. It's like showing them the path to the original information you used in your writing. When you cite something, you us ...

How to Write a Dialogue in an Essay: Useful Tips

A correct usage of dialogues in essays may seem quite difficult at first sight. Still there are special issues, for instance, narrative or descriptive papers, where this literary technique will be a good helper in depicting anyone's character. How to add dialogues to the work? How to format them correctly? Let's discuss all relevant matters to master putting conversation episodes into academic essays. Essay Dialogue: Definition & Purpose A dialogue is a literary technique for presenting a con ...

Can Plagiarism Be Detected on PDF?

Plagiarism has been a challenge for a long time in writing. It's easy to find information online, which might make some people use it without saying where it came from. But plagiarism isn't just taking someone else's words. Sometimes, we might do it by accident or even use our own old work without mentioning it. When people plagiarize, they can get into serious trouble. They might lose others' trust or even face legal problems. Luckily, we now have tools to detect plagiarism. But what about PDF ...

Top 10 Use Cases for AI Writers

Writing is changing a lot because of AI. But don't worry — AI won't take human writers' jobs. It's a tool that can make our work easier and help us write better. When we use AI along with our own skills, we can create good content faster and better. AI can help with many parts of writing, from coming up with ideas to fixing the final version. Let's look at the top 10 ways how to use AI for content creation and how it can make your writing better. What Is AI Content Writing? AI content writin ...

How To Write Essays Faster Using AI?

Creating various topical texts is an obligatory assignment during studies. For a majority of students, it seems like a real headache. It is quite difficult to write a smooth and complex work, meeting all the professors' requirements. However, thanks to modern technologies there appeared a good way of getting a decent project – using AI to write essays. We'd like to acquaint you with Aithor, an effective tool of this kind, able to perform fine and elaborated texts, and, of course, inspiration, i ...

What Is Self-Plagiarism & How To Avoid It

Have you ever thought about whether using your own work again could be seen as copying? It might seem strange, but self-plagiarism is a real issue in school and work writing. Let's look at what this means and learn how to avoid self-plagiarism so your work stays original and ethical. What is self-plagiarism? Self-plagiarism, also called auto-plagiarism or duplicate plagiarism, happens when a writer uses parts of their old work without saying where it came from. This isn't just about copying w ...

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Admit-a-bull // official admissions blog, how to finish senior year strong.

By Emily Young | Last Updated: Jul 15, 2022

Congratulations. You’re in the spring of your senior year, which means you’re almost done with high school. Be proud of this accomplishment, celebrate it — and prepare for a busy semester. Before you don that cap and gown, you’ve still got plenty of academic and emotional challenges left to tackle. We’re here to help. Here are six tips to help you finish senior year strong (including how to fight off senioritis).

Identify Your Academic Goals

The first step is knowing what you need to accomplish this year. If you haven’t already done so, talk with your guidance counselor to determine your academic objectives. This includes maintaining your high school GPA as well meeting college application deadlines. Use this timeline to prioritize goals such as:

• Visiting colleges
• Taking the SAT or ACT
• Assembling college application materials
• Applying for scholarships

A daily planner or time management app can help you keep track of deadlines for both college paperwork and homework assignments. (It can be distracting to apply for colleges. Make sure you’re still focused on your high school grades, too.) 

Identify Your Life Goals

Along with academic goals, you may want to create a list of practical life goals for this year. You are entering a period of development known as  emerging adulthood , and when you leave for college, you’ll start leading a more independent life. In other words, it’s time to learn the all-important skill of “adulting.”  

If you practice adulting while you’re still living at home, it can make the transition to college easier. Try asking mentors such as your parents or guidance counselors to teach you the adult skills that will prepare you for college life . For example:

• Learn how to cook go-to meals that you can make from start to finish. Buy the groceries, keep to a food budget, follow a recipe, and do the cleanup. (Bonus points if they’re meals you can cook in a dorm room.)
• Understand finance skills such as paying bills, budgeting, building your credit, and avoiding college debt .
• Be responsible for your own well-being. Schedule annual checkups with your doctor, get seven to nine hours of sleep a night, and learn how to care for your mental health.

Learn Good Time Management and Study Skills

Now you know your academic and life goals for senior year. But how do you find the time to accomplish them all? Implementing time management skills and good study habits can help you make the most of your schedule.

• Instead of tackling a big assignment all at once, break it into smaller tasks . For example, you could divide an essay assignment into brainstorming , outlining , completing a first draft , and revising. Try not to procrastinate.
• Create a study space that cultivates creativity. Keep the space tidy.
• Listen to music that helps you focus. As this article in The Guardian explains, your brain has two attention systems — a conscious system, which is wrestling with your homework, and an unconscious system, which is easily distracted by the world around you. Music entertains your unconscious system, similar to “giving small children a new toy to play with while you’re trying to get some work done.” While your unconscious system is entertained, your conscious system can work on acing that exam.
• Every hour, take a five-minute break to walk around. Frequent physical activity scattered throughout your workday may boost your mood and give you more energy, according to the results of this study.
• Make time for yourself. No matter how many time management tips you use, you only have so many hours in a day. It’s OK to decline certain invitations during a busy senior year. Set aside the time you need to accomplish your academic and personal goals, and don’t forget to rest.

Limit Your Screen Time

Do you know where your smartphone is right now? If it’s near you, even if it’s powered off, its very presence is eating away at your concentration. This is called “brain drain,” according to a 2018 article in The New York Times . Here’s how it works: Your brain is constantly resisting the urge to check your phone. This takes mental energy, which means you have less energy to study or stay focused. Basically, our phones are kryptonite. When you need your brain to operate at full power — such as when you’re studying for your SAT — keep your phone out of sight.

While you’re at it, use a feature such as Apple’s Screen Time to track how many hours you spend on your phone. If you’re like most young adults, you average five hours a day . Think of what you can accomplish in that five hours. During this busy year, you’ll need all the time you can get.

Beat Senioritis  

At some point this year, you might be tempted to ask yourself, Do I really need to study this hard? Does it make a difference what I get on that next exam? Spoiler alert: It does.

The last semester of your senior year matters to colleges, even if you’ve already been accepted. Colleges are looking for a consistent level of academic rigor, and a sudden drop in your GPA could be a red flag.

Plus, what you’re learning now is going to affect your first semester of college. According to Peterson’s, “50 (percent) to 60 percent of incoming freshmen end up completing remedial work in their first year just to regain their skills in core topics such as math.” Pay attention now to avoid playing catch-up later.

If you still find yourself struggling with senioritis, try these tips:

• Form a study group with friends who share your academic goals.
• Give yourself a night off to practice self-care. Your “senioritis” may be exhaustion.
• Talk to someone such as your school guidance counselor about how you feel. They can help you refocus.

Remember Why You’re Doing This

Give yourself tangible reminders of why you’re working so hard. If you’ve already chosen your college, hang its flag on your wall. If you have a dream job, write it on a sticky note and paste it to your mirror: I’m going to be a veterinarian. A journalist. An educator. Your hard work this semester is getting you one step closer to accomplishing your goals. 

If you have questions about the college application process, the USF Office of Admissions is always ready to help. Contact us online  or by phone:  813-974-3350 .

About Emily Young

Emily Young, a freelance writer and editor on the Gulf Coast, is a proud USF alumna dedicated to connecting readers to resources and helping students succeed.

Previous Post

Success in College: Expectations Versus Reality

Exploring College Majors: Engineering Track

• 415.750.4111​

• Activities & Wellness , Caregiving

Goal Setting for Seniors: How to Motivate the Elderly and Support Their Progress

Life has the awesome chance of getting better and better with age. Just ask Christa. She spent most of her life intending to write a novel, and it wasn’t until she was 66 years old that she finally spent the time to complete it. “I don’t know why I waited so long,” she explained. “But on the other hand, I’m glad I waited as long as I did because I was finally ready, with all of my life experience behind me and only opportunities ahead.” If you’re a caregiver for an aging adult, you can encourage them in those interests and goals they still carry with them—or encourage them to imagine new goals. Help them to feel a sense of independent purpose and to take charge of their course through later life. You can also help them to put these ambitions into perspective and come up with strategies for real action in the right direction. Goal setting for seniors can be a grounding activity that motivates individuals to lead the lives they really want.

What Motivates Our Elderly Loved Ones?

There is no right or wrong goal for an older adult to strive for. Whatever inspires and motivates them is a great direction, and most goals can be adapted to suit the individual’s needs and limitations. You can help them to break a challenging goal up into manageable parts. Ideally, the aging adult in your life selects a goal that they can get really excited about and put plenty of fresh energy behind. Some great goals for seniors might fall under the following categories:

• Health and fitness. Example: Aim to walk for 30 minutes, three times a week.
• Family and community . Example: Video chat with the grandchildren every Sunday.
• Personal purpose . Example: Sign up to volunteer for a local organization , such as the library, an animal shelter, or soup kitchen.
• Independence . Example: Make calls to arrange for a housekeeper, automatic prescription and grocery deliveries , and a social day program schedule to make independent living more manageable and enjoyable.
• Creativity . Examples: Take an art class at the local senior center or get involved with gardening .
• Fun . Example: Try out a new restaurant every month based on recommendations from the community.

How Can You Help Seniors Set Goals and Realistic Objectives?

After retirement and into our later years, it’s actually a really great time to set personal goals because we’re no longer bound by responsibilities like work and raising children as we once were. But we also want to make the most of the time and energy we invest. Caregivers can help aging adults to strategize and develop plans and expectations in the direction of their goals.

• Purpose: Focus on one goal at a time and start by clarifying the purpose. Why is this objective exciting? How is it going to improve or enrich my life? A goal set to walk three times a week can help to maintain a healthy weight, generate energy, and keep the heart and other body systems strong. It can help to keep this greater purpose of healthy living in mind.
• Expectations: While it’s a positive idea for seniors to set goals that are challenging and that require them to reach beyond their comfort zones, it’s also important for these goals to realistically match their abilities. If a goal becomes too exaggerated—an aging adult aspires to walk five miles a day, five days a week, the way they used to—they may get burnt out and discouraged. It makes more sense to start smaller and work their way up to a more ambitious expectation.
• Smaller steps: Oftentimes, a goal can be broken down into smaller, more manageable goals. This is a really important tactic for actually moving forward and accomplishing the larger objective. In fact, with each smaller piece that an aging adult accomplishes, they get to feel a surge of accomplishment, pride, and motivation to continue. In the case of walking for health, a senior might plan to walk just 30 minutes, twice a week, for a month. Then, they could increase the walking time and or the number of days per week in subsequent months.
• Motivation: How does your aging loved one find and generate motivation? They may need the encouragement of friends and family keeping them company in pursuit of their goals. They could have a walking buddy. Maybe they feel connected to their progress and inspired to continue when they keep a journal about it or otherwise keep a record of how far they’ve come—such as on a calendar. If an older adult seems to be losing momentum toward their goal, it might help to remind them of their original purpose for identifying this goal. Help them to build up the mental and emotional energy in that direction.
• Resources: When you’re still in the planning and goal setting stages together, it’s important to identify the resources your aging loved one might need to accomplish their aspirations. If the obstacles end up being too great. they may lose momentum and lose a grip on their purpose altogether. But if, together, you can anticipate some of the challenges you might encounter, you might be able to also anticipate the resources they’ll need to get beyond those hurdles and keep moving forward. For a walking goal, you’ll want to make sure they have the ideal shoes ready, an alternate plan for rainy days, and a nutritious diet that will support their active lifestyle.

The bottom line is that it is never too early or too late in life to set goals that are appropriate to our interests and our best abilities. Meanwhile, it’s important to remember that our “best” can even change from day to day. We need to be compassionate and realistic with ourselves even as we challenge our comfort zone and reach farther toward our goals. By keeping these helpful considerations in mind and working together, life for aging adults can be lively and inspired. If you’d like more ideas for how to live a thriving and active life as an aging adult, check out our blog . Institute on Aging is committed to helping seniors live independently with dignity and community. To learn more about our programs and services, give us a call today .

Institute on Aging

Enrichment center at the presidio, related posts.

Remembering Dr. Patrick Arbore

Mental Health Awareness Roundup: San Francisco officials push for universal mental healthcare

Mental Health Awareness Month: Signs to look for and a few selfcare tips

Fall risk is higher for those with cognitive impairment

Natural light can make a world of difference for dementia patients

🌷 Happy Women`s Equality Day! 🌷 Today, we salute the inspiring women shaping a better future in aging and healthcare. Let`s honor their achievements and continue the push for equality. #WomensEqualityDay #Empowerment #InstituteOnAging

Join our United Health Equity in Aging Summit Watch Party! 📺🎉 Where: Weinberg Auditorium, 3575 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA When: September 18th, 2024 | 9am-4pm - Drop in anytime! Institute on Aging and @thescanfndtn invite you to a live viewing of the 2nd Annual United for Health Equity in Aging Summit. Come enjoy sessions focusing on: Elevating older adults` voices 🗣️ Innovative aging solutions ✨ Breaking down health equity barriers 🚫 Light bites and beverages provided, along with raffle and giveaway prizes! Whether you come for a bit or stay all day, we can`t wait to see you! Visit the link in our bio to RSVP today! #HealthEquitySummit #InstituteOnAging #WatchParty #CommunityEvent

We`re celebrating the incredible members of our Friendship Line team! These fantastic volunteers dedicate their time and hearts to serving our community, offering support and companionship to those who need it most. 📞💕 We recently honored these selfless individuals for their commitment and passion. Join us in applauding their amazing work and learn how you too can make a difference by visiting the link in our bio. #FriendshipLine #CommunityHeroes #VolunteerAppreciation #MakeADifference #JoinUs

Connection is just a call away! Institute on Aging`s Friendship Line understands the importance of human touch and the warmth of a friendly chat. You`re always greeted by a real person ready to listen, share a laugh, or offer support. Dial 1(888) 670-1360 and make a new friend today. Because at IOA, we believe no one should feel alone. #FriendshipLine #Friendship #InstituteonAging #WarmLine #CallUsToday

CONNECT With Us

Call ioa connect.

3575 Geary Boulevard | San Francisco, CA 94118 

Phone:  (415) 750 – 4111 | Fax: (415) 750 – 5338

Locations Served

Marin County   |   San Mateo County   |   Santa Clara County   |   Alameda County    |    Contra Costa County     |     San Bernardino & Riverside Counties

©2024 All Rights Reserved

Ultimate Checklist for Fall of Senior Year in High School

🍂 how should i prepare for college applications in senior year.

During the fall, you'll want to make sure you manage your time well. You will be busy with college applications, extracurriculars, and APs. Remember to take time for self-care and spending time with family and friends during this lovely fall season too.

🌐 Connect with Your Support Network

👩‍🏫 Ask for letters of recommendation (varies per school and student)

For some schools, you are required to ask for letters of recommendation during junior spring. But for others, it happens during the beginning of the school year. Ask your teachers for a letter at least one month before your first college's deadline. Go up to them in person (email if not possible) and ask if they can write a strong letter of recommendation for you. It is best to go alone and when your teacher is free! This way, your teacher can be the most honest with you. If they say no, it's not a reflection of you. It's often because either the teacher is too busy or is unable to write a strong letter. When a teacher says no, it's actually better because you can find a teacher who can write a positive letter! Teachers don't get paid extra to do this, so remember to be polite all throughout. Send them any additional material they need, such as "brag sheets" and resumes.

It's advised to pick a teacher who can write about your growth and how you are as a person. This is preferred over a teacher who can write about your stellar grades and ability to listen.

When choosing teachers, make sure you list the requirements of each college when doing college research. The standard is two teachers, one from STEM and one from the humanities. Each college varies, from the number of letters they want to the subject the teacher teaches.

In addition, most colleges allow students to submit an optional "other" letter of recommendation. These include clergy, coaches, college access counselors, employers, club advisors, and others. Not all colleges recommend this optional letter, so do your research. Furthermore, each letter should provide a different perspective. You won't be able to read your recommenders' letters due to FERPA rights. Regardless, you should have an understanding of what type of letter each recommender will provide.

👥 Meet with your guidance counselor regarding college applications and scholarships, including letters of recommendation

Your guidance counselor often has a list of many scholarships, both local and national. By meeting with your counselor, you can retrieve this list early and prepare for writing these essays. Pro-tip : you don't have to write new essays for each scholarship and college! Often, these prompts intersect and you can use the same essay and/or revise and personalize.

Counselors are required to write a school report and a recommendation letter for you. Make sure to get in touch with your counselor and invite them to your Common/Coalition Application portal.

📝 Finalize Your List and Create an Essay Plan

🕜 Start finalizing your college list and consider which schools you want to apply to early

• Early action, early decision, and single-choice/restrictive early actions are the three main application plans for early application. Through early applications, you get your decision earlier. In this case, the essays are also due earlier. Make sure to write the deadlines for each college you're applying to in your calendar!
• Applying early is an important decision, as the quality of your essays improves over time. If you don't think your essays are ready and rushed, it might not be best to apply early.
• For public universities , early action provides a benefit: a source of demonstrated interest. Since early decision is binding (you must attend if accepted), colleges see this as demonstrated interest. This gives a boost to the application. Still, early decision is often criticized for its lack of financial aid. Make sure you speak to your family before applying early decision.

Check out this page for some Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) Tips.

📅 Categorize your essays and create an essay writing plan

Once you've figured which colleges to apply to, copy and paste all the essay prompts you have to answer. Most of the time, you can find categories that you can split each prompts into. Some examples include:

• Why this college (normally in consideration of its offerings)
• Why you... essay (why you fit this college)
• Extracurricular essay
• Identity essay
• Community essay

✏️ The Essay Planner template

Here are the columns you could put on a table to plan your essays:

Under tags, you could put something like "Supplemental Essays"

There are some other types, but by splitting them up, you can manage your time more effectively. You will do brainstorming for only a few topics rather than for each one individually. You can also often search for tips for each type of essay online.

Once you've brainstormed for each category, decide how to personalize each essay. Here, choose which topics are best for you as an applicant!

Next to each essay prompt, you should also write its deadline. Then, you can figure out how you want to split the essays up. The early applications should be completed first, but remember that your essay writing gets better over time.

✍🏼 Refine your main essay and start writing supplemental essays

You should also revise and edit your essays! Once you finish, let the essay sit for a few days, then come back to it. You'll revisit it with a fresh perspective! Also, let trusted individuals edit and revise your essays. Reach out to mentors, guidance counselors, and English teachers. Family members are not recommended because you want a more objective viewpoint. The admissions officer doesn't know you personally. At the end of the day, it is up to you, and who you trust!

🤑 Complete Financial Aid Forms and Scholarship Applications

There are often deadlines for financial aid, so make sure you turn it in on time! Read through the Fiveable financial aid page to get a list of scholarships, understand how to start the scholarship search, apply for scholarships, and complete financial aid forms.

Guide Outline

Related content, first-gen: preparing for the college application, what extracurriculars should high school sophomores do, college checklist: what to accomplish in your junior year, 5 goals for your freshman year of high school, 10 goals for your freshman year of high school, college essay tips for first-gen students.

Stay Connected

S.M.A.R.T. goals for seniors!

At Eventide, our approach to total wellness is rooted in fostering wellness of the mind, body and spirit.

Many of the tenets of this whole health approach are often enhanced when we try new things, set goals and even let go of pesky lifelong habits. (Who says any of us need to be stuck in our ways?)

So, as we celebrate a new year and define resolutions to boost our total wellness, happiness and vitality regardless of age, we want to help you be successful and — and have fun.

**Before you make any changes or additions to your current health routines, be sure to ask your doctor about any new exercises or foods you might want to try, as they may not be appropriate for your unique needs. If they aren’t, ask your doctor to recommend modifications or alternatives that would work better for you.**

Intellectual

Our life enrichment teams offer residents a variety of games and activities to challenge and stimulate the mind!

At Eventide, residents can be as social as they like – there is always something happening, from social events like card games and celebrations to outings in the community.

Remembering the past and communicating with loved ones are vital to emotional health. At our communities, we offer reminiscing activities – focused on historical events or trends of the past.

Eventide began in 1951 as the result of a community need identified by members of local Lutheran churches.

Occupational

Occupational wellness fosters independence by strengthening skills and educating our residents on how to live safely and with purpose.

Eventide understands the importance of offering a wide array of physical activities to our residents, such as group fitness classes like Forever Fit and yoga to walking clubs.

Lesson from the business world: S.M.A.R.T. goals

In business, many companies focus their yearly efforts around S.M.A.R.T. goals. S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym that stands for:

Specific:  A goal that can easily be described or defined.

Measurable:  Something that can be tracked with milestone achievements.

Achievable:  A challenging task, but not unrealistic.

Relevant:  It makes sense for where the business is currently.

Timely:  It makes sense for where the business wants to be in the future.

Maybe you’re familiar with S.M.A.R.T. goals in the office, or you’ve used them to achieve personal goals at some point in your life, as well. The idea is incredibly helpful when creating resolutions throughout life, too, because they:

• Help you define a clear goal with a simple solution
• Encourage you to break down a goal into smaller steps
• Improve your chances of success for the long term

As we age, though, we’ve found that the concept of S.M.A.R.T. goals should be less about being measurable and more about being maintainable. We also think they should be more age-appropriate, too.

So, we’ve come up with our very own S.M.A.R.T. goal concept for senior living that can help you improve your mind, body and spirit in a way that makes sense based on things like interest level, age, desire, simplicity and ability.

S.M.A.R.T. goals for seniors: Simple, Maintainable, Age-appropriate, Realistic and Tailored

S.M.A.R.T. goals for seniors is very similar to the S.M.A.R.T. goals you may employ at work or in other aspects of your life; they’re just, well, smarter.

Simple:  Create a goal that has just one step or creates one small change in your daily life.

Maintainable:  Choose something that enhances or builds on a healthy habit you’ve already established.

Age-appropriate:  Make sure it will serve you well as you continue to add years to your life.

Realistic:  Understand your abilities (and limitations).

Tailored:  Work with your healthcare and wellness teams so a goal aligns with your unique needs.

Examples of S.M.A.R.T. goals for seniors

The best goals will touch on one (or more) of the mind, body and spirit approach to total wellness. Here are examples of S.M.A.R.T. goals for seniors that address each of our total wellness areas.

Intellectual – sharpen your brain

• Try a new computer program or download a new game on your tablet or smartphone.
• Spend time researching a person, place or historical event and present your findings.
• Start brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand or performing a familiar task in reverse order.

Social – enhance friendships and meaningful connections

• Sit at a different table with people you don’t know at lunch or dinner.
• Set up monthly Zoom calls with a friend or family member you don’t know as well as you’d like.
• Take someone (or yourself) out on regular dates.

Emotional – stay happy or content

• Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal every day.
• Commit to complimenting someone regularly.
• Share your feelings if you’re feeling sad, lonely or just out of sorts.

Spiritual – Connect to your higher power

• Watch inspirational videos on YouTube from people of different religions and spiritual backgrounds.
• Create faith-based discussion groups with your peers.
• Read or recite a different prayer each day.

Occupational – maintain or improve lifelong skills

• Work on strengthening your balance.
• Use a stress ball to strengthen your hand grip and dexterity.
• Reintroduce yourself to daily tasks you used to enjoy but no longer do (even if it’s dusting knicknacks).

Physical – move your body

• Invite a good friend into your activity routine to enhance accountability.
• Set a walking steps goal or chair exercise goal and meet it daily.
• Ask for an extra serving of vegetables in place of dessert a few times a week.

Putting it all together

If all this seems overwhelming and you’ve had enough acronyms in your life, we just have one more for you: K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple, Silly.

That’s right, if you stick to one aspect of S.M.A.R.T. goals for seniors — Simple, Maintainable, Age-appropriate, Realistic and Tailored — just keep it simple.

After all, life can be far too complicated at times, and you probably don’t need a New Year’s resolution to keep that top of mind.

May you be blessed with the best health and happiness in 2022 and beyond!

 at Eventide

Perhaps simplifying your life is on your list of goals for the year. Whether you’re looking to downsize to a smaller home or upgrade your amenities, Eventide has living options tailored to meet the needs of seniors looking to age well.

With nearly seven decades of service experience, Eventide is one of the Midwest’s most trusted premier care partners, providing collaborative and innovative solutions. As lifestyle expectations have evolved over the years, so has our approach to senior care.

Visit us online at www.eventide.org or call 218-217-4916 for a tour.

218-291-2230

NEED SUPPORT

[email protected]

Join Our Community

Stay up-to-date with eventide.

Email (required) *

Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Eventide Senior Living. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

Senior Living Options

Eventide communities, getting involved.

Eventide is committed to welcoming, serving, and employing person(s) in a safe, nondiscriminatory environment. This applies to Eventide directly and any contractor or other entity with which or whom we work.

Copyright © 2023 Eventide. All Rights Reserved.

Preparing For Senior Year Of High School: Do’s And Don’ts For College Hopefuls

Updated: Oct 13, 2023, 11:17am

Blink and you’ll miss your senior year of high school. Your senior year is special because it’s both a great ending and an exciting beginning. You’re leaving the friends, classmates, teammates and school that formed you, but you’re also applying to colleges and embarking on a journey that will set the next part of your life into motion. It’s a big moment.

You shouldn’t feel stressed by the demands of your future. You can better enjoy your senior year by staying organized with deadlines and working through the daunting college application process one step at a time.

In this article, we’ll help you decide what to do your senior year of high school to ensure you have fun, make progress toward your goals and end this chapter on a good note.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

How To Prepare for Senior Year of High School

Success during your senior year is all about your mindset. Students tend to get senioritis, expecting their senior year to be a breeze—but that’s not always the case.

Senior year isn’t easier; it’s just different from junior year. Your mindset changes from present academic challenges to the future. As a senior, you’ll be thinking about the following:

• College applications
• Senior leadership roles
• Scholarship and financial aid forms
• Retaking standardized tests
• Managing deadlines
• Making memories as you move on from high school

What To Do Your Senior Year of High School

Here are a few steps to take as you map out your senior year.

Narrow Down Your College Application List

Start with a list. You won’t be prepared for college application deadlines if you aren’t sure where you want to apply. You can filter out colleges by comparing their admission standards against your test scores and GPA. From there, the questions get more personal:

• Do you want to go to a big school or a small one?
• Do you want to commute or live on campus?
• Do you want to attend school far away?
• Would you prefer a school in an urban, suburban or rural setting?
• Is greek life a priority for you?
• Are there specific activities you want to do in college?
• What areas of interest would you like to study? (You don’t necessarily need to pick a major, but your chosen school should offer subjects that interest you.)
• What is your college application budget? (Calculate in both time and money.)

You can begin formulating an application list as early as junior year. Ensure your list has core schools that interest you, but also include safety and reach schools.

Make a College Application Calendar

Create a central calendar, adding all of the application deadlines for the schools on your list. Break up the different components of each application.

For example, let’s say your first-choice school’s early-decision deadline is Nov. 1 (and you plan to apply early decision). The application requires you to submit a personal essay and a teacher’s recommendation. You might consider adding these additional dates to your application calendar for this scenario:

• Sept. 15: Complete the first draft of your personal essay, allowing enough time for feedback and multiple revisions.
• Oct. 1: Provide your preferred teacher with the recommendation letter materials, giving them a month’s notice to complete their reference.

Because college applications require so many components, never underestimate the time each task requires.

Retake Standardized Tests if Needed

Most students perform better on either the ACT or the SAT . Allow yourself time to determine your preferred test and take it multiple times if needed.

Every school looks at standardized test scores differently. Here are a few ways a school may accept a score:

• Composite: Your best score on a test
• Average: The average of all of your scores on a test
• Superscore: Combines the best scores on each section of a test to form the highest score possible

And if you don’t perform well on standardized tests altogether, you can always apply to test-optional schools. We’ve even ranked the 10 best online test-optional colleges in the United States.

To help you prepare for your standardized tests, we’ve put together a few resources:

• ACT Tips And Tricks: Your Guide To Taking The ACT
• Consider These Free SAT Prep Resources And Courses
• Do You Need The SAT For College Admission? What To Know
• SAT Tips And Facts Every Student Should Know
• Ask A College Counselor: Should I Apply Test-Optional?

Explore Financial Aid Resources

The FAFSA is your first step in exploring financial aid options. The federal government, state governments and colleges all use the FAFSA to determine student aid awards, and each entity sets its own deadline for submitting the FAFSA.

For the 2023-24 academic year, for example, the federal government opened FAFSA submissions on Oct. 1, 2022, and will close them on June 30, 2024. Each state government and higher education institution determines its own FAFSA submission window.

Once you gain admission to college, you will learn about your student aid eligibility.

Other than FAFSA-based funding, college students can look into scholarships and private loans from what seems like countless providers. You can’t apply for them all, so take the time to select a few relevant providers and focus on making strong applications for these scholarships. Here are a few tips:

• Apply to scholarships that align with your identity, strengths and experiences. You’re more likely to stand out.
• Choose scholarships with similar requirements so you can reuse application materials.
• Incorporate aid application deadlines into your college calendar.
• Rather than getting overwhelmed by the number of scholarships available, pick a select few and focus your energy.

Set Up Your Common App Account

The Common App can save you time by allowing you to use one application for multiple colleges and universities. If you plan to apply to several schools, consider prioritizing those that use the Common App. You’ll then have to fill out fewer applications.

More than 1,000 colleges use the Common App as of September 2023. See whether your prospective schools participate by searching on the Common App’s directory .

Visit College Campuses

A college visit beats a brochure, but visiting multiple schools can add up in cost, so prioritize the most serious contenders. Try to visit on typical school days, rather than during breaks, to get a feel for the campus on an average day.

Write Several College Essay Drafts

It’s hard to write about yourself, but the personal essay is a key piece of many college applications. To lighten your load, start drafting your essay over summer break. You can then refine it when you return to school in the fall.

Connect with your guidance counselor and a trusted teacher to assist you as you work on your essay. Your guidance counselor knows the college essay process well, and a teacher can help with writing mechanics. Plus, having multiple readers will strengthen the finished product.

Keep Up With Extracurriculars

Senior year is supposed to be fun, so don’t lose sight of your extracurricular activities. You’ll miss these activities in college. Plus, during your senior year, your extracurriculars allow you to take on a leadership role and mentor younger classmates.

What You Should Avoid During Senior Year

Blowing your budget.

Get honest about money. It can be tough to discuss finances with family, but talk frankly about your plan to pay for college, and get a clear picture of everyone’s responsibilities. If you’re paying for college yourself, consider these questions:

• How much debt can you afford to take on? Consider having to pay student loan payments after you graduate.
• Do you want to go to graduate school?
• What types of financial aid do you plan to pursue?

If you’re able to save money during your senior year, try to do so. It’ll come in handy when it’s time to be a broke college student.

Need tips? See our guide on how to budget in college .

Dwelling on Rejection Letters

No matter what happens, you have options. Early-decision applications are available for most schools, so if you’re sure about your first pick, consider applying early decision. Then, you can move on with plenty of time to spare if you receive a rejection.

When you receive rejections, don’t dwell on them. Take this time to free up your application calendar and focus on other schools.

Getting Sloppy on Social

Your social media presence can affect college admission decisions since admissions officers may examine your online profiles as they review your application. Your reputation—both online and in real life—matters, so be careful with what you post on social media.

Letting the Stress Get to You

Senior year is stressful, so do your best to stay organized. Stick to your deadlines, your calendar and your to-do list. Give yourself time to plan ahead. All of this will help reduce stress so you can stay present for your friends and family. Make sure to savor the last chapter of your high school career. It goes by fast.

Allowing Your GPA To Tank

Your GPA isn’t in the clear until you graduate. All colleges require final high school transcripts and can rescind admission offers if your grades drop drastically enough. You’ll also want to keep your GPA high in case you’re waitlisted for any colleges.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

The closer you get to deadlines, the harder it is to get things done. You’re not the only person involved with your college applications; your guidance counselors and teachers, on whom you may rely for advice and recommendation letters, will be busy helping other students with their applications as well. Make sure to give them plenty of notice when you ask for assistance.

Check out our guide to learn more about how to ask for a letter of recommendation .

Skipping Activities

Don’t forget to have fun during senior year. When you’re too focused on college apps, you can miss out on the things that matter most. There’s a reason you love your favorite extracurriculars and friend groups, so remember to make time for those parts of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Preparing for Senior Year of High School

How do i prepare myself for senior year of high school.

Create a calendar complete with all of your college application steps and deadlines for senior year. Staying organized and on task will give you more time and energy to focus on friends, classes, extracurriculars and activities during your final year of high school.

Do colleges care about senior year of high school?

Yes, colleges care about your senior year of high school. When you accept admission to a college, you will eventually have to provide a final high school transcript. Schools can rescind admission offers if you let your grades slide too much during senior year.

• Ranking The Most Affordable States For College Students
• How To Apply For College
• Should You Attend Graduate School Online?
• Choosing A Major: How To Find What Major Is Right For You
• What Accreditation Should A College Have?
• Do You Need The SAT For College Admission?
• How To Get A Free Laptop For College
• How To Transfer Universities
• Online Checklist For Students
• ACT Vs. SAT
• Are Community Colleges Free?
• Get Accepted: What Is The Average SAT Score Needed For College Admission?
• Where Can You Take CPA Courses Online?
• What’s The Difference Between A College And A University?
• The Best Ways To Learn A New Language While In College
• Is College Worth It?
• Online Dual-Degree Programs
• Can International Students Attend Online College In The U.S.?
• Online Jobs For College Students
• Weighted Vs. Unweighted GPA
• What Are AP Classes?
• What Is A Double Major?
• What Is A Good GPA In College, And Does It Matter?
• What Is A College Minor?

Back-To-School Sentiment: College Students’ Perspectives On the Academic Year Ahead

What Is The ACT Test? A Complete Guide

2024 IELTS Preparation Guide

College Application Deadlines 2024

ASVAB Study Guide 2024

How To Learn German: Tips And Tricks

Jessica Crosby is a freelance writer and former teacher with expertise in high school and college admissions. She creates content for education and personal finance companies and believes that all learning should be approachable.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

Senior Year Bucket List: 52 Things to Do Before Graduation

Reaching the end of high school is a bittersweet journey. On the one hand, you’re starting a new life, one where you can explore your passions, develop your career skills and ambitions, and find like-minded people along the way. At the same time, you’re also saying goodbye to friends, family, and your childhood.

Before you graduate, make sure you’ve gotten the most out of your high school experience, your hometown (whether or not you’re leaving), and your time with the people you love. And be sure to check off these senior year bucket list items — you’ll be glad you did!

1. Figure out your long-term plans.

This is a must-do for every senior. Planning to go to college? Start a job? Whatever you do, make sure you have a concrete plan nailed down well before graduation rolls around.

You should also identify resources that are available to you to help you as you formulate your goals for the future. For example, our Chancing Engine will predict your real odds of admission to hundreds of colleges and universities, and we offer essay guides to prepare you for supplemental and Common App prompts.

Virtual Activities You Can Do During COVID-19 (or Anytime)

This year, COVID-19 makes it difficult to do the traditional items on a senior bucket list, so we’ve included a few activities you can do from home.

2. Start a virtual book club.

When you start college, you may just realize how much you love (or miss) reading for pleasure. Starting a virtual book club now will help instill a sense of commitment to reading on your own, outside of what you need to do for class.

3. Have an all-night movie or TV marathon with your friends.

With tools like Netflix Party, you don’t even have to be in the same room to enjoy a show together.

4. Visit a world-famous attraction or museum via your phone or computer.

Never been to Paris? Don’t worry! Now, you can tour the Louvre from the comfort of your couch.

5. Attend a play.

Same goes with Broadway shows. Watch hits via Broadway HD. You even get a free trial!

6. Start a virtual club at school.

Do you regret not being more engaged in high school? Leave your mark by starting a virtual club — whether it’s speaking French, playing chess, or brainstorming community service projects.

7. Have a virtual karaoke night.

Belt it out on Zoom!

8. Take an online class in a skill or subject you’ve always wanted to learn.

From languages to coding to music, there are so many skills you can explore via online classes, sometimes even for free. Duolingo, Khan Academy, Udemy, and Codeacademy are places to start.

9. Download a budgeting app.

Now is a good time to start learning how to manage your money. Apps like Mint will help you budget and keep track of your finances.

10. Watch a TED talk.

Learn how to spot a liar. Discover what makes a good life. Ted talks cover so many interesting topics, and these are only the tip of the iceberg.

11. Create a LinkedIn profile.

This will prove essential to your career development. You’ll use it to discover jobs, apply to jobs, and network. Plus, you may even get noticed by recruiters. You’ll be glad you’re doing it now rather than later!

12. Start a blog or website.

Is there a topic you’ve always wanted to write about? Now is the time. 

Everything Else

13. sleep in..

Take the time to just relax and not set your alarm (we recommend the weekend for this one).

14. Learn how to cook the basics.

Like eggs, pasta, and maybe even a vegetable. Trust me, you don’t want to be subsisting off of ramen and Easy Mac during your entire college career…and everyone needs a break from dining hall food.

15. Do something that scares you.

Inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote “You must do the thing you think you cannot do,” I made this a new year’s resolution as an adult once. Every day, I made myself do something that I was afraid to do. While you don’t need to do something that scares you every single day, try to do something, even one thing, that requires courage you haven’t been able to muster in the past.

16. Make a new friend outside of your typical circle.

Some of your friends will stick with you through college and even the course of your adult life. But you may grow apart from others. Take this time to talk to someone you haven’t gotten to know in the past. This could be a lifelong friend!

17. Get to know a teacher outside of class.

High school teachers not only write your college recommendations; they can also become mentors and even friends. I still have coffee with some of my high school teachers whenever I return to my hometown.

18. Spend at least one day volunteering.

Take the time to give back to your community. Check out some of our suggestions for ideas.

19. Start a journal.

One day, you’ll be glad to look back on your thoughts when you were a teenager and reflect on how much you’ve grown.

20. Attend an athletic or school spirit event.

Even if you’re not really the school spirit type, these events can be a lot of fun. 

21. Write a letter to someone you admire.

It can be someone famous or a mentor — even a friend.

22. Make a physical photo album.

Sure, you have Instagram, but a physical photo album is a keepsake you can have forever. You’ll appreciate the memories when you’re in college and later on.

23. Get your driver’s license (if you haven’t yet).

This will be so, so useful, even if you’re going off to New York or another city with great public transportation.

24. Apologize to anyone you’ve wronged.

Try to make amends and close high school on a high note, without regrets. (Remember: the person doesn’t have to accept your apology. You can only control your own actions.)

25. Watch the sunrise.

Take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of the world.

26. Read a long work of literature.

Long classics like War and Peace and Don Quixote are certainly worth your time and will contribute to your learning.

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

27. Register to vote as soon as you turn 18.

If this year has taught us anything, it’s that it is absolutely essential to participate in democracy. Usually, you can vote absentee in your hometown or in-person wherever you attend college (this year, many places allowed mail-in voting beyond the normal restrictions due to COVID). Try to get everything squared away before you leave home.

28. Take a trip.

Right now, it might be a little difficult, but if you can, try to visit a place you’ve always wanted to see — safely, of course!

29. Try a restaurant you’ve never dined at in your hometown.

It could be a fancy place — why not splurge? — or one you’ve always been meaning to try.

30. Visit an attraction in your hometown.

Be a tourist for the day. This may not be your town or city forever, so get to know it now.

31. Write a letter to your future self.

Seal it and open it the day you graduate college. 

32. Have dinner with your family every day for a week.

This is time you’ll never get back. Who knows the next time you’ll be able to sit together as a family?

33. Take a mental health day.

This should be parent-sanctioned, of course. Take a day to just relax after working really, really hard. Then go back to school refreshed.

34. Buy yourself something completely frivolous.

Maybe those great boots you’ve been coveting?

35. Donate blood.

Help save a life! (NB: age, weight, and other restrictions apply.)

36. Develop a mental health regimen.

Try different techniques to find out what really helps you, such as mindfulness meditation, a long run in the morning, or getting out your thoughts on paper.

37. Start a new tradition.

This could be solo or with family or friends. For example, perhaps you’ll establish pizza Wednesdays.

38. Spend an entire day with your sibling(s).

Sure, they irritate you sometimes, but you love them underneath it all. Have a day when you hang out, just the two of you, before you head off into the real world. 

39. Give your younger siblings or friends one piece of really good advice.

What did you wish you knew when you were their age?

40. Ask a mentor, teacher, or parent for one piece of really good advice.

What did they wish they knew when they were your age?

41. Secure a summer job.

Start developing your work ethic and earn a little spending money.

42. Learn how to self-soothe.

When you’re really upset, you probably want to turn to someone for support, like a good friend. That’s okay! But it’s also important to learn how to self-soothe and work through your feelings on your own by developing strong coping skills. You will encounter challenges, and this is an important way to get through them.

43. Make someone a birthday cake.

A parent, a friend, a sibling, your pet (I have a great dog cake recipe!), or even yourself!

44. Get into the habit of exercising.

It’s an important, healthy habit you should establish now so it will become part of your regular routine.

45. Write thank-you notes to the teachers who have inspired you.

Teachers love hearing from students they impacted. Why not let them know how much you learned from them and the lessons you’ll take with you?

46. Write thank-you notes to your parents or guardians.

They gave you guidance and support, put up with your bad moods (you know you had them), and, of course, raised you to be the person you are today. They will certainly appreciate the recognition.

47. Do something for yourself just because.

Whether that’s getting a pedicure, eating a cupcake, on building a snowperson.

48. Get a credit or debit card.

And use it responsibly, always keeping track of bills and due dates and not exceeding what’s in your bank account.

49. Save money.

Create a rainy day fund, along with putting away money in your savings account. You’ll find it incredibly helpful to have extra spending money next year.

50. Do a social media cleanse.

Just for a day — or longer if you can!

51. Redecorate your childhood bedroom.

Don’t throw out your childhood treasures, but store them away and redecorate according to your current tastes so you have someplace appealing to stay when you visit.

52. Graduate.

You did it!

What’s on your senior year bucket list?

Remember to sign up for your free CollegeVine account to get a jumpstart on your college search. We can help you create a best-fit school list based on your chances, finances, and preferences. 

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

10 Ways to Maintain Joy and Purpose in Your Senior Years

• Carrie Lowrance Crosswalk Contributor
• Updated Aug 27, 2024

Getting older is a good thing. You learn things and get wiser as you age. Even though it comes with its caveats, like more aches and pains, sometimes not being able to do the things you used to, and sometimes decreased energy levels. Whether you are healthy and fit as a senior or not so much, it's still essential to maintain your joy and purpose. This enriches your life and gives you a purpose. Here are some things you can do to help maintain your joy and purpose as a senior.

1. Staying Socially Connected

Staying connected socially is very important; it can combat loneliness and depression. Sometimes, it's easy for seniors to become lonely or depressed when their families aren't around. Thankfully, we live in an age that makes staying connected long distances very easy. If your friends and loved ones live far away, call or video chat with them at least once or twice a week. Video chat is fantastic because it's almost like being in the same room together.

Friends and loved ones live nearby? Get together at least once a week or on the weekends. Have a meal together, go out and do something with family, or get a group of friends together and go for a scenic walk, go bowling, or go to a movie.

Social connections are important at all stages of life, but especially for seniors.

2. Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle

No, this does not mean you have to run five miles a day and eat like a rabbit. However, it is important to develop a healthy lifestyle.

This means eating healthy, balanced meals, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. Drinking more water and less soda, juices, and alcohol. Eating sweets in moderation or on special occasions.

Getting some exercise every day, like going for a walk, a bike ride, or even lifting some light weights if you are just beginning to exercise. If you have been in shape your whole life, hit the gym.

Make sure you get enough sleep. Many seniors I've known are prone to staying up late watching TV and not getting enough sleep. It happens to all of us from time to time. If you're having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor.

Stay on top of your medications and take them regularly around the same time every day. Also, make sure you visit the doctor at least once a year for a physical. Keeping yourself healthy to the best of your ability will help you live a longer life to enjoy with your loved ones.

Learning new skills - It's never too late to learn something new. What is something you have always wanted to learn how to do? Cook? Build a birdhouse? Garden? Write a book? The possibilities are endless.

You can look for a cooking store that offers cooking classes in your area or see if there is a community garden or a local garden club in your area. Online learning is also a great thing; you can find classes on all kinds of things on the internet. Sites like Udemy and Skillshare are platforms where you can take courses and learn all kinds of things.

3. Daily Bible and Prayer Time

Spending time with the Lord is where our joy should be every day. Wake up before sunrise, make a cup of coffee, and read your Bible and devotion for an hour. Enjoy the quiet hush of the world just before the sun comes up and life perks that all too familiar hustle and bustle that we all know. While enjoying that silence, sit quietly and listen for what the Lord is imparting to you.

Also, spend time in prayer about things that are in your heart pertaining to your own life and friends and family. Praying for our pastors , communities, country, and world is also important.

4. Setting Achievable Goals

Wanting to learn something new goes hand in hand with setting achievable goals. You don't have to learn everything all at once. Break it down into small, achievable goals. Want to run five miles? Start with half a mile, then one, then two, and keep going. Before you know it, you'll be running five miles every day.

Have you always wanted to write a book? Most people do, but they find it too intimidating. Take it step by step. Learn to outline, write a few paragraphs or pages a day, edit only after you're finished writing, and then move on to preparing the manuscript for publication.

I once read an article about the author John Grisham, who wrote his first book when he was still a practicing attorney. He wrote a page a day for an entire year, and when he was done, he finished his book. Now, he's a famous author. Still, that shows that even famous publishing authors take things step by step when writing a book.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/ Oliver Rossi

5. Prioritizing Health Care

Your health is your biggest asset, so it's important to prioritize it. As mentioned above, choosing a healthy lifestyle is key. Make sure you have your medications and don't run out and see your doctor for a visit every year. Also, if you are facing an issue, don't wait. Schedule an appointment and talk to your doctor about it.

Health isn't just about physical health; your emotional and mental health is important too. These days, you don't have to physically go to an office to talk to a therapist; you can do it online in the comfort of your own home. People going to therapy are more accepted than they were years ago. Keep close tabs on your mental and emotional health, and if there is something amiss, talk to someone about it. Your friends and family want you to take care of yourself so you can be the best you can be.

6. Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to maintain joy in your life. Helping others makes us happy and the world a better place. Sit down and list your interests, then research organizations in your area where you can get involved.

This could be a homeless shelter, a local cat cafe or animal shelter, the library, or even a children's home. It could be a soup kitchen food bank, or anywhere else that sparks your interest where you can serve others.

Other organizations could include Americorps, Foster Grandparents (offered through The Peace Corps), Habitat for Humanity, the AARP Safe Driver Program, Volunteer World (opportunities to volunteer in art and culture), the Community Alliance for Learning (if you have a way with words), and Musicians on Call (playing for people in the hospital).

7. Staying Active Cognitively

Mental decline is a possibility for all seniors, so staying active cognitively is important. You can help keep your mind sharp by doing old-fashioned crosswords or search-a-word puzzle books. There are also lots of games and apps you can download on your phone to help with mental alertness, like Lumosity, Elevate, Peak, and Fit Brains.

8. Traveling

Traveling to different places is always exciting, whether it's a different town or an unfamiliar state. It helps take us away from our everyday lives so that we can explore and have some fun.

Make plans to visit the next town over or a town in your state that you have been wanting to see. You could make a weekend out of it or even take a few days. You could go to a festival or a concert or just see the sights.

You could also plan a more extensive trip across the country to a specific state you want to see. Take some time to make detailed plans about how you will travel there, where you will stay, what sites you want to see, and what restaurants you must try.

Traveling is a great way to get away from it all and destress. For even more fun, take some close friends or family with you if possible. This is a great option for those who own an RV or a mobile home.

9. Enjoying the Small Things

Next to prayer and Bible study, this would be a close second. So many of us are so caught up in the hustle and bustle of our day we don't enjoy the small things. Pausing and watching the sunrise in a beautifully painted sky while birds sing in the trees. A hot shower to get you energized in the morning. That first sip of coffee made with the perfect amount of cream and sugar. Waking up with your spouse. Getting your kids out of bed. Walking your dog and truly enjoying their companionship. Stepping outside and observing the surrounding nature before getting into your car and heading to work. These are all little things we take for granted so often in our busy lives. So slow down a few minutes and enjoy it.

10. Enjoying Hobbies

Taking time to enjoy your favorite hobbies is a great way to spend your retirement and keep the joy in your life. Engaging in your favorite hobbies makes you feel more relaxed and at peace.

There are many ways to maintain joy and purpose as a senior. Choose one or two on this list to guarantee more joy and purpose in your life.

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, goals for high school seniors: what should i focus on.

Hey everyone! I'm going to be a senior in high school this year, and I was wondering what my main goals should be. Are there specific things I should prioritize in terms of academics, extracurriculars, or personal development? Thanks!

Hi there! As a high school senior, there's a lot to think about, but I'll try to break down key areas of focus for you.

1. Academics: Make sure to maintain a strong GPA and challenge yourself with rigorous coursework, such as AP or IB classes, if available. Colleges appreciate consistency in academic performance, so aim to finish high school on a high note.

2. Extracurriculars: Continue your involvement in extracurricular activities, and focus on deepening your experience in areas where you've demonstrated passion or leadership. For instance, if you've been part of a club or organization for several years, consider taking on additional responsibilities or spearheading a new project.

3. College Applications: Begin finalizing your college list and researching application requirements, deadlines, and financial aid. Work on your college essays, and if you're applying to schools that require or recommend letters of recommendation, approach teachers or counselors early in the year. Also, be sure to fill out the FAFSA (opens on October 1st) and any other financial aid forms required by the institutions you're applying to.

4. Testing: If you haven't already done so, take the SAT or ACT. Many colleges are either test-optional or test-flexible, but having strong test scores may still be advantageous.

5. Scholarships: Start researching and applying for scholarships early, as financial assistance can be an important factor in your college decision.

6. Personal development: Take the time to reflect on your experiences, passions, and goals. This will not only help you in the application process when writing personal essays but will also benefit your overall growth and understanding of yourself.

7. Stay organized: Create a schedule or use a calendar to keep track of deadlines and important dates, such as college application deadlines, financial aid forms, and standardized test dates.

8. Enjoy your senior year: While it's essential to stay focused on your academics and college preparation, make sure to also enjoy your final year of high school – spend time with friends, engage in meaningful experiences, and make lasting memories.

Best of luck during your senior year, and remember to stay motivated and organized throughout the process!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

50+ Senior Project Ideas You'll Be Passionate About

We've got tons of ideas to help you find the perfect senior project for you.

Kate is an experienced writer who has written hundreds of articles for publication.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

As a senior, you might get a chance to delve deep into a topic or area of expertise that will help you narrow down your career goals or build the experience you'll need for the future. The best senior project ideas offer tons of room to dive in but also build on things you already know or are good at.

The key here is starting with an idea that you really want to explore. If you find the topic interesting, it's going to be way easier to put the work into making it happen. These are some of our favorite senior project ideas, plus tons of tips to make them your own.

Senior Project Ideas About Building Community

Is your community important to you? If you love being connected to other people, this could be a great type of project for you. There are tons of opportunities to make this work:

• Create an organization that pairs elementary kids with seniors for reading practice.
• Pair with a local food pantry to set up a food drive at your school.
• Build an online community surrounding something that interests you.
• Pick a local charity or non-profit and help them build their social media presence.
• Organize a drive for gently used coats for those in need during the fall months.
• Work with a local hospital and people in the community to make blankets for babies in the NICU.
• Pair up with another senior across the country (or internationally) to help elementary classes in your district exchange old-fashioned letters with each other.
• Organize volunteering for a local non-profit that doesn't yet have a volunteer program set up.
• Meet up with a senior in your area and help them write the story of their life.

Related: Donate Your Time to These 10 Deserving Causes

Education-Related Senior Projects

If you're thinking of going into teaching or love helping people learn, there are some great senior projects that can help you make a difference and build your skills at the same time:

• Build and install a little free library (with you family's permission) and keep it stocked with books.
• Think of something you do well (like cooking, photography, or anything else) and teach a class for people who want to learn about it.
• Job shadow a teacher at an elementary school one afternoon a week and help them in the classroom.
• Ask a teacher at your school about stepping in to teach a lesson to their class.
• Help newer immigrants practice their English skills by volunteering with an ESL program near you.
• Tutor someone in your school in a class you're good at.
• Every week, meet with an elementary kid to work on their reading.
• Volunteer at a senior center to teach older adults how to better utilize their phones.
• Pick something you know a lot about and give presentations to different elementary school classes on that topic.

As you're choosing a senior project, think about your values. What matters most to you? There's a project idea that will match up with what's important to you.

Ideas for Senior Projects About the Arts

The arts offer all kinds of opportunities when it comes to senior projects. From writing to fundraising, there are lots of ways to make your passion into a really cool school project:

• Write a play for your school and work with other students to perform it.
• Teach your chosen art to younger kids.
• Write a novel or collection of short stories, working on it a little bit each week.
• Create a poetry chapbook with poems about the senior experience.
• Make a sculpture or painting to be displayed in your school or a local business.
• Do a photo series on some aspect of your life or community.
• Write and illustrate a book for kids, or a graphic novel.
• Organize a talent show at your school if there isn't one already.
• Create a fundraising campaign for a local gallery, museum, or arts nonprofit.

Think about what inspires you to create and then build on that with your senior project. You'll be energized and have tons of ideas to personalize your project to your own personality and school.

Senior Projects About the Environment

If protecting the environment is your passion, there are tons of ways to get involved and make this your senior project. There are large- and small-scale options for just about any situation:

• Work with your neighborhood to start a community garden.
• Start a garden at school so some of the school lunch ingredients are grown right there on campus.
• Measure water quality in your area and work with local experts to make a list of steps people can take to improve things.
• Organize a clean-up day each month to pick up litter around your school and town.
• Start an initiative to reduce food waste at your school and compost the food that's been going in the trash.
• Work with an activist group to improve their social media presence and help them get more members.
• Use your graphic design skills to make signs and marketing materials for an environmental nonprofit.
• Make a list of ways your school can reduce energy consumption and then give a report to the school board.
• Create a bucket list of great outdoor destinations in your area where people can hike and enjoy nature.

Is there a specific environmental cause that really motivates you? Choose that for your project, but think about ways to make it your own with unique elements that fit your community or your school.

STEM Projects for Seniors

If you love science, math, engineering, and technology, you'll have no shortage of senior project options. Try one of these fun ideas:

• Volunteer in the computer lab or work with the IT professionals in your school.
• Come up with a plan to help educate seniors about technology scams they might encounter.
• Work with a local clinic to bring attention to a medical concern the community faces.
• Design an imaginary new wing for your school and build a model to scale.
• Come up with a design for a renewable energy source to power something in your school.
• Research how artifical intelligence can make a positive impact in the medical field and write a report.
• Learn a programming language you don't already know and create something with it.
• Use a 3D printer to create a miniature version of your school.
• Take apart an old rotary phone and write instructions for how to reassemble it.

Senior Project Ideas About Social Studies

Whether you love history, are super into government, or are all about geography, your senior project can focus on social studies:

• Research the history of your town and create a diorama.
• Organize a postcard-writing campaign to help elect a politician.
• Use the techniques of the past to make a meal, build a project, or sew something.
• Work with your teachers to organize a class trip to your state capital.
• Write a local history guidebook about important places in your community.
• Compare maps of your state from different periods in history.
• Become an intern for a local politician.
• Organize a get-out-the-vote campaign especially for high school seniors who will be 18 at the next election.
• Volunteer at a history museum in your area.

Let Your Passion Guide Your Project

Your senior project doesn't have to just be an assignment you're required do, it can be something you really, really care about. Let your values and your interests guide you, and you'll choose the perfect topic.

Related: 7 Senior Bio Examples to Help You Craft Your Own