How to Own Your Final Year of High School

Gabi, a student entering grade 12, shares her advice on killing it in your final year.

You're almost there. Just one stressful year of high school left, and you can move on forever. Post-secondary education, a career: all the trappings of adulthood. Exciting stuff! There's a lot to prepare for. Use your last year as a way to organize yourself and get ready for college and university.

Explore Your Options

Not sure what school you want to attend yet? That's no problem! Now's the time to do your research and ask around. On top of doing research with sites like SchoolFinder, try asking people you know for advice. Talk to guidance counselors, university students, older siblings and friends. They can give you some insight and direction on what university is like and what you can expect. Everyone will have a different opinion, which will help you form your own.

Set Some Ground Rules

I decided this year to quit social media. Or at least, limit myself. Last year I found myself distracted by every buzz of my phone. Even though I used Do Not Disturb mode, I still felt tempted to check my notifications. I also found myself feeling more comfortable on my phone than talking to people. So, I decided it would be best to stop relying on my social crutch and delete it for a while.

It's important to have some entertainment during the school year, sure, but not to the point where it keeps you from your work and the people around you, like it had for me. In senior year especially, it's crucial to focus and stay on top of your work, because the added pressures of university and college applications will certainly keep you busy.

Draw Up a Budget

Get a jump on budget planning to make things easier on you next year. If you have a job, divide your paycheque into school, savings, food, and leave a little for fun and entertainment. Limit the amount of coffee trips you make every week and save for more important things, such as tuition and residence.

I only allow myself to spend about 20% of what I make — that way I don't overspend and wonder where my money went. Try planning the amount of money you'll need for each week and spend as little as possible. Every dollar you save counts, and your bank account will thank you.

Plan Ahead

Start thinking about putting your portfolio together, drafting your personal statement, or practicing your audition. The earlier you start, the lighter your workload will be later in the school year.

I really like to be organized and keep all my notes in a planner and important dates in my calendar. Take some time on the weekend to set a schedule for the week. You'll find it easier to follow, instead of being stressed out by the million things you have to do, without any idea where to start. Trust me, I've been there!

Anything can be fixed with a little organization and planning. Try to enjoy high school while you can, because it will zip by faster than you think.