One semester.

That’s all that separates us seniors from living it up in the post-high-school world. It seems like this is the time now when we can kick back and put school on cruise control. When I was accepted to college I figured high school would just be my hobby for the next few months. I mean I was already in, right?

Wrong.

As seniors we think we’re already basically done. Just got to put in minimum effort and do mediocre work until we can walk across that field and snag that diploma. But this is far from the truth.

This is the last semester you have to impress possible scholarship givers and to boost your GPA if your school checks you final transcripts (this will be indicated in your acceptance letter—beware!).

Sure, there are some things you can do to ensure you’re not completely overworked this semester and still getting the grades that will make those admissions advisors swoon.

You can talk to your guidance counselor, as the add-drop period is happening right now, and drop any excess classes you don’t need. This will maximize your study hall time while also making sure you get all your credits. Just make sure you actually study in those study halls.

Another idea is to clump all your classes into the morning or afternoon. This will allow you to get a work-release. Not only do you get to be in school for less time but you also get to go make money and flex your time-management skills.

The bottom line is why not just make the most of your last semester of high school. Don’t risk 12 years of hard work just to fail one class and not have the credits to graduate. Being in school sometimes stinks . . . but being here a year longer without your friends will stink even more.