A Lit High School Senior Year: Reflections on the Second Semester
For many high school seniors, the second semester of their senior year can feel like a winding down period after the intense first half dedicated to college admissions. This is certainly my experience, as I navigated the last quarter with a mix of relief, apathy, and a dash of excitement.
College Admissions Decisions
The highlight - or rather, the relief - of my senior year came during the first week of January, when all of my college admission decisions were finalized. As I mentioned in my previous post, the college application process can be incredibly stressful, and once it was over, the true endgame was off the table. This allowed me to focus on more relaxed pursuits, like potential AP tests and simply enjoying the last weeks of high school.
The Last Half of the Fourth Quarter
The transition into the last half of the fourth quarter was like a shift in the atmosphere. My class rank meant little to me, and I was placed in the top 10 without much effort. This allowed me to enjoy the reprieve from intense studying. I spent my time compulsively watching Netflix, YouTube, and engaging in other hobbies and activities that brought me joy.
Classroom Dynamics and Activities
Despite the relaxed academic atmosphere, the dynamics within the classroom remained the same. Friends were talking about graduation, which was exciting for some but not to my level. I found comfort in observing the excitement from the sidelines, adding to the overall lit quality of the last days. As I had already made my college choice, I was able to plan my AP test schedule accordingly. I ended up taking only 4 AP tests instead of the 7 I initially intended, which was a more comfortable load.
Considering my prior knowledge of calculus, I decided to self-study for Calculus BC starting just a few weeks before the test. Chemistry, on the other hand, was a bit of a concern, as the test carried a lot of bad vibes from previous takers in my class. I opted to avoid stressing about English and Biology, as there was little point in putting much effort into them. Post-AP testing, my school lasted for about two more weeks, during which my time was consumed by online poker and other social activities like card games, Ultimate Frisbee, and even a game of kickball. This blend of activities created a unique and memorable end to my senior year.
Concluding Thoughts
Overall, my second semester was more of the same, but with a slight shift towards relaxation and enjoying life. While the stress of college admissions had passed, the anticipation of the future brought its own set of challenges. Reflecting on this period, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Thank you for joining me on this journey and for reading my thoughts on what made my senior year truly lit.