Tips for Your Final Semester of High School

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Between the holidays, admissions decisions going out in the mail, and high school students wrapping up their fall terms, there are many fun activities to celebrate. As you look ahead to the new year, we’d like to share a few tips to help you make the most of your final semester of high school and set yourself up for college success.

Keep Up With Your Classes

The last semester of high school can be challenging. From final exams to end-of-year projects, it’s important to stay focused. Remember that colleges and universities will review your final transcripts, so continue to show them your strengths and academic consistency. Katie Bernier, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, offers the following words of encouragement:

We have enjoyed reviewing your applications so far and can see that you are all taking some great classes senior year! Keep up the great work; it will prepare you for taking classes with us next fall.

Remember Your Final Transcript

Katie also reminds students about one important piece of the admissions process that often gets overlooked: sending in your final transcripts. She says, “As you’re thinking about prepping for college, one thing to add to your list is your final high school transcript with your graduation date. Make sure you send it in the summer before you get to campus.”

At UNE, an official copy of your final transcript is required to be on file before you may start classes. After you graduate, send us your final high school transcript as well as any Advanced Placement scores and official transcripts for any college classes you have taken for credit. Send your final transcripts to: UNE Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005

Use a Calendar for Important Deadlines

With different college deadlines to keep track of, we recommend utilizing a calendar. Whether it’s on your phone or on paper, find what works best for you. It’s one of the best ways to stay organized! Note any final application deadlines, deposit deadlines, and financial aid submission deadlines.

As a reminder, UNE’s Regular Decision application deadline is February 15, 2023. You can apply via the Common App or UNE’s Application. For more application information, visit une.edu/apply.

If you’ve already applied to UNE, keep an eye on your mailbox for your admissions decision. If you’re accepted and ready to make it official, congrats! UNE’s enrollment deposit deadline is May 1, 2023. Submitting your enrollment deposit guarantees your spot in the incoming class. It includes a $300 tuition deposit and $200 campus housing deposit. Once UNE has received your enrollment deposit, you are eligible to complete the Housing and Dining contract to select your roommate and residence hall preferences. After May 1, 2023, all deposits are non-refundable and accepted on a space-available basis.

Be Mindful of Your Stress Levels

While this is an exciting time, it can also be stressful. Note your stress levels and make time for stress-relieving activities. Winter break is also a perfect time to de-stress and reset so you can head into your final semester feeling refreshed. Activities like getting outside, exercising, meditating, and spending time with loved ones are all wonderful ways to lower stress. You can check out one of our older blog posts for more suggestions on ways to de-stress during your winter break.

Have Fun

On a similar note, remember to spend time with your high school friends and have fun! Finding a balance between schoolwork and social time is important — it will make the final semester of your senior year more enjoyable. Current UNE student Brooke offers some helpful advice:

Finishing high school is super exciting but can also be stressful at the same time. Even though you’re making plans for what comes next and are probably counting down the days until graduation, don’t forget to enjoy the rest of the time you have left! Go to games, performances, and all the senior activities your school puts on. Make the most of your senior year!

Connect With Us

We wish you the best of luck with the remainder of your senior year. If you have any questions about UNE, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here for you!