I am about to be a senior, which is really crazy to me, but nonetheless, I am feeling a cluster of emotions about my final year of high school approaching. I feel like I am in good standing with my weighted GPA of 4.416 (hopefully to go up a tiny bit more after the first semester is over) and an unweighted GPA of 3.9024, and I have pretty decent test scores. How should I brace myself for my senior year? Advice about anything– from applying to schools, balancing a job and schoolwork, trying to fight senioritis– is appreciated. 
First, say 4.1 and 3.9.
Second, fill out the Request information form to all colleges you’re interested in, run the NPC and show the results to your parents to check they can afford your choices.
Third, start working on your essays. Read the website essay hell for good advice.
Fourth, remember that students always underestimate how long it’ll take to complete applications to selective colleges. Start now.
Fifth, retaking the act/sat, taking two subject tests between now and October is a good move (unless you already have 750+ on subjects or 1450+/32+).
^ awesome reply! Don’t forget to continue extracurriculars and volunteer. What majors are you looking for, if you don’t mind me asking? Focusing your efforts based on that can be really helpful (ex: bio pre-med = volunteer at a hospital)
But definitely begin your essays and signing up for college tours. I find reminding yourself that your resume is a blank sheet again when you enter college fought my senioritis, my classes senior year were APs but they would prep me for when I entered college so they were really important.
Good advice above except with respect to standardized test scores. Whether or not a 1450 SAT & a 32 ACT is adequate is relative to & dependent upon your targeted colleges & universities.
Also, a 750 on subject test scores may or may not be adequate.
It’s been 2-3 years since I was a senior, but I can say this:
- Take your classes very seriously. Even though you've got 10 months left of high school, don't develop senioritis. Your senior year grades matter in college admissions. Some schools may ask for a final transcript. I didn't do so hot in AP Biology and AP Calc BC, but in the end, it all paid off with AP Credit and college course grades. How you approach your senior year classes can either help or hurt you.
- Check your standardized test scores. Are you happy with them? Are they high enough for the schools you like?
- Make a list of schools: reach, match, safety. Have a good blend of schools to apply to. Visit the schools you would like to go to, and ask yourself if you want to be there. Ask questions to faculty and student tour guides. It's great to ask questions and explore the campus for yourself.
- Get recommendations from your teachers as soon as possible because some teachers will get flooded with recommendation requests and they will be unable to honor every student's request. I made my requests the week before classes started.
- Since you mentioned that you have a job, make sure that you have enough time to complete your homework and study for exams. Remember, school comes first so if things aren't going so well in school, consider cutting down hours at your job if possible.
- Look for scholarships. There should be scholarship websites out there. Even the smallest amount can help in the long run and consider asking your GC if the school or district offers any.
- Have fun! Senior year is your last year of high school, enjoy it while it lasts because the days will fly by! Spend time hanging out with your friends and don't miss out on things like prom!
Hope this helps and best of luck!
All excellent advises. Just to add. During the summer before he started his senior year, my son had a packet prepared to hand to each of his teachers that he designated for the LOR requests. The packet consisted of: 1) cover letter detailing his overall academic standing and test scores, his goals in college and what he’d like to have the LOR cover; 2) list of schools that he’s applying with the DEADLINES; and 3) his major accomplishments that his teachers may not be aware of.
Only other addition of mine is: DON’T slack off in the second semester of your senior year. One of the most repetitious new threads popping up here in CC is: “Am I Going to be Rescinded?” Don’t allow that to be you.