Tips for High School Seniors: Making the Most of Your Senior Year

Congratulations on starting your Senior year! Your senior year of high school is an exciting time full of celebration, reflection and looking forward to the future. From completing college applications, homecoming, graduation prep, and enjoying these final moments of your senior year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why it's important to connect with your high school guidance counselor or college admissions counselor to help you stay organized.

At Concordia University Texas, we’re passionate about helping students transition into this next phase of college with confidence. Whether you plan to attend a four-year University, a community college, or attend trade school these tips will help you make the most of your senior year.

1. Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships are a great opportunity to make your college experience more affordable – and they’re more accessible than might think. Begin researching national, state, and local scholarship opportunities that match your interests and background.

At Concordia Texas, our students have access to scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence and interests including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, programmatic scholarships (like our Honors and Tornado Trailblazers program), and more.

2. Visit College Campuses

Visiting college campuses helps you envision how you might fit-in as a university and gives you a sense for the community, academics, student life.

When you visit Concordia Texas, you’ll have the opportunity to see our classrooms, athletic facilities, dining hall, and residential hall. If you’re not able to visit us during the week, consider one of our monthly Saturday Brunch Tours to get a picture of how you’ll thrive at Concordia Texas.

3. Stay Organized with Deadlines

From submitting college application to completing financial aid documents, it’s important to keep track of deadlines. Creating a calendar with application deadlines, campus visit dates, and other important dates help you keep track of your deadlines. A few minutes of planning each week can save hours of stress later and make sure you never miss a key step in your college journey.

4. Complete your FAFSA early

The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for students to complete. Completing your FAFSA is one of the essential steps to making your college experience affordable with federal and state aid opportunities. By completing the FAFSA early, you’ll maximize your access to financial aid. At Concordia Texas, our priority FAFSA deadline is March 30, 2026.

Start the FAFSA process by gathering essential information like your Social Security Number (SSN), FSA ID, and your 2024 tax data. If you need assistance in completing your FAFSA, the admissions team at Concordia Texas is ready to help you navigate the financial aid process.

5. Reflect on Your Purpose

While your grades and meeting admission deadlines are important, your Senior year is also about taking the time to discover who you’re called to be. Take time to think about your passions, strengths, and the impact you want to make on the world.

At Concordia Texas, we believe that education is much more than the degree you receive, it’s about discovering and living in your purpose. Our Christ-centered community helps students grow academically, spiritually, and personally, preparing them for lives of meaning and service.

Your Future Starts Today

For Texas high school seniors, this is the time to take action. Complete your FAFSA early, explore scholarships, and visit Texas colleges like Concordia University Texas.

At Concordia Texas, you’re not just choosing a university; you’re choosing a community that believes in your potential. Whether you’re preparing your college prep checklist or looking to discover programs of study, our team is here to help you take the next step with confidence.