For 12th-grade students, this time of year is full of milestones, emotions, and big decisions. Maybe you just received an early decision acceptance to your dream school, and you’re celebrating the moment. Or perhaps you were deferred or rejected, leaving you uncertain about your next steps.
You might be working on additional college applications, finishing up your term, and juggling the exhaustion that comes with it all. Social dynamics may also feel challenging—maybe your friends got into their perfect schools while you’re still waiting, or maybe you’re the one celebrating while others around you are struggling.
And then there’s the SAT. You might feel joy and relief from your scores, or frustration that they weren’t what you hoped.
No matter where you are, there’s a lot to process.
In these moments, it’s important to focus on what you can control: your response to challenges, successes, and opportunities. One of the most powerful tools for navigating this time is the use of thoughtful, strategic questions. Questions help your brain seek answers, providing clarity and direction—a concept known as the Zelnick Effect. PRE ORDER MY LATEST PUBLICATION:
Below, I’ve outlined six essential questions to guide you through this season and what you discover in your answers will help you take actionable steps forward.
1. If I was deferred from my early decision school, what can I do to improve my chances in the next review cycle?
- Can I request a letter of support from my counselor, teacher, or current school?
- Is there updated information I can share with the admissions office, such as new grades, achievements, or leadership roles?
- What specific steps can I take now to demonstrate continued interest in the school?
- What’s my plan to shift my focus to other schools and make sure those applications are strong?
2. If I didn’t get the SAT score I wanted, how can I adjust my strategy?
- What specific areas of the test (Math, Reading, Writing) need the most improvement?
- Is my preparation plan effective, or should I switch to a new resource or tutor?
- How can I improve my timing and test-taking strategies to reduce mistakes?
- Am I dedicating enough consistent time and effort to studying, or am I relying too much on external factors?
3. If I’m working on additional applications, how can I stay motivated and focused?
- Which schools excite me most, and how can I highlight my enthusiasm in my applications?
- Are my essays showcasing my authentic story and personal growth?
- Am I organizing my deadlines and tasks to ensure I meet each requirement calmly and confidently?
- How can I build short breaks into my schedule to recharge and avoid burnout?
4. If I’m feeling socially isolated, how can I reconnect and find support?
- Who in my life can I talk to about how I’m feeling?
- Are there activities or hobbies that bring me joy and help me build connections?
- Can I celebrate my friends’ wins while still honoring my own journey and accomplishments?
- What steps can I take to set boundaries and protect my emotional well-being?
5. If I’m happy with my results but my friends are not—or vice versa—how can I navigate social interactions?
- If I’m celebrating success, how can I show empathy and support for friends who are struggling?
- If I’m feeling disappointed, how can I celebrate my friends’ wins while honoring my own feelings?
- What shared activities can I suggest to reconnect with my friends and bring us all joy and peace?
- Are there moments I need to step back and set boundaries to protect my emotional well-being?
- How can I focus conversations on shared interests rather than comparisons?
Ideas to connect with friends:
- Spend time doing activities that bring mutual joy, like playing games, watching movies, or trying a new hobby together.
- Take a walk or hang out in a relaxed setting to share how you’re feeling without judgment.
- Celebrate the aspects of your friendships that matter most and find ways to uplift one another.
6. What can I do to care for myself during this busy and emotional time?
- Am I giving myself time to rest and recharge after long days of work?
- What activities bring me peace or joy, and how can I integrate them into my week?
- How can I remind myself of my long-term goals when short-term challenges feel overwhelming?
- Who in my support network can help me navigate these decisions with clarity and perspective?
Final Thoughts: Turning Questions Into Action
These questions aren’t just for reflection—they’re a guide to taking action. Whether it’s updating your application strategy, creating a new SAT study plan, or reconnecting with friends, the key is to approach each challenge with curiosity and a growth mindset.
Remember, this is one moment in your journey—not the whole story. Use these questions to guide your next steps and remind yourself that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
For more insights and strategies to navigate senior year, check out my full blog archive. You’re not alone in this process, and there are countless ways to move forward with strength and confidence.
Stay curious. Keep asking questions. And trust that your answers will guide you.
Let’s navigate this journey together. If you have questions or thoughts, feel free to share in the comments or reach out!
