Once again, it is almost time for seniors to say goodbye and a new class to take over. This time, it’s the class of 2010’s turn. Each member of this class has some important decisions to face as they each plan for their final year at Freedom High School. Senior year is the year to either slack off and take easy classes, as you probably already have your list of prospective colleges narrowed down and know what you need to do in order to get accepted. On the other hand, you might also try to pump up your senior schedule so when colleges see what you are taking, the harder classes you are taking might show them that you are worth admitting. So what to do? As a 2010-er myself, I know that slacking off would be much preferred. Who wouldn’t want an easy last year of high school? But I also know that I don’t want colleges to see that I am taking mandatory English and Social Studies, four study halls, Art, and gym senior year. You only have one shot to impress colleges, and if you fail at this, you generally don’t get a second chance. Your transcript is very important and although senior classes are not factored into the GPA printed on your transcript, your course schedule will show up, and so will your current grades. If you try to take extremely difficult classes just so colleges see them on your transcript, that’s pointless because every assignment you completely bomb will factor into the nine weeks grade that they will also see. Grades go in every nine weeks, so unless you plan on sending out all of your college applications before the first nine weeks are over, don’t try this idea. Some people do know where they want to go and have already applied at the beginning of senior year, but if you want to keep options open, don’t assume you will be one of these people. If you choose to take a semester off, senior year will matter. It may also matter if you just don’t know where you want to go for quite some time. Taking your time to make a decision is not a bad thing, so do not rush such an important thing just so you don’t need to worry about working hard senior year. In my opinion, I think the best idea would be to take difficult classes, as long as you can do well in them. If you need a study hall, take one, but don’t just take them because you are feeling the much-early onset of senioritis. Take classes that you won’t completely hate because you’ll be stuck with them all year. Senior year is supposed to be fun, but it is also your last chance in high school. Don’t mess it up by overloading or slacking. Just challenge yourself.