Graduation Class of 2026: How I'm Preparing for My Final Semester

As the year comes to a close and students enter finals season at St. Agnes Academy, the graduation class of 2026 begins preparing for their last semester of high school.

Admissions decisions begin rolling in, and the race to graduation begins. From balancing challenging coursework to savoring the traditions that make senior year memorable, St. Agnes seniors prepare to navigate this next phase of their lives with excitement.

Though college applications may wind down, the focus shifts to staying engaged in classes, cherishing time with friends, and making the most of the remainder of their St. Agnes experience. Read on to find out how current seniors are preparing for their final semester of high school.

In order to make the most out of the final semester of high school, here is a checklist of the four areas our seniors are addressing in these next few months:

1. Academic focus

2. College readiness

3. Emotional and social preparation

4. Leadership and legacy

Although college applications have been sent in, it is still important to stay motivated academically. Here is how the graduating class of 2026 can approach their academics for their last semester:

1. Avoid senioritis. It’s easy to coast now that college applications are complete, but grades still matter! Colleges often review final transcripts, and strong academic performance can reinforce admissions decisions or even open the door to tuition scholarships.

2. Stay organized. Seniors are balancing finals, extracurriculars, and graduation events. Continue to use the study and organization tools like planners and to-do lists that have kept you organized through high school. Keep deadlines in check!

3. Stay curious. Take advantage of elective classes and advanced courses to continue exploring your passions before heading off to college. Whether through Advanced Placement classes, creative electives, or dual-credit courses, keep investigating what interests and motivates you for the future. Check out our curriculum to see what is in store!

The final semester is also a time to prepare for the transition to college life. Seniors at St. Agnes are focusing on practical steps to ensure they are ready for what comes next with the support of our College Counseling department:

1. Understanding financial aid. St. Agnes families will continue to review FAFSA results, scholarship offers, and financial aid packages throughout the spring semester and into the summer. Families have the opportunity to meet with our college counseling department to come up with the college plan that works best for their needs!

2. Making final decisions. As news of acceptance arrives, seniors will need to carefully consider their college options, weighing academics, campus culture, location, and affordability.

3. Building independence. Preparing for college is more than just academics, but also about the life skills it requires. Seniors continue to practice the values of the Academy that will aid them in becoming successful young adults.

Senior year is a bittersweet time for the incoming graduates and their families. While excitement for the future builds, there is great nostalgia for the sisterhood and culture that have defined their high school experience at St. Agnes, and our graduating class finds ways to balance both:

1. Celebrating traditions. From their final senior retreat led by our Dominican Preaching Team to prom, these milestones are cherished as a way of wrapping up four-years at the Academy.

2. Strengthening friendships. The final semester is a chance to deepen bonds with classmates and even use the time to create new ones. Through sports events, supporting friends at extracurriculars, or study sessions, seniors savor their time together.

3. Creating memories. Seniors document their experiences through photos, scrapbooks, and videos to carry these moments with them into the future. As they eventually become St. Agnes alumni, these memories will be what they remember from their time at the Academy.

The graduating class of 2026 knows that their time at St. Agnes is not simply about personal growth but the legacy and impression they leave behind for younger classes.

1. Mentoring underclassmen. Seniors take advantage of leadership roles and positions in clubs, sports, and Student Council (StuCo) to guide younger students and set examples for what the St. Agnes community is about.

2. Contributing to traditions. St. Agnes’ Student Council senior class continues to organize senior events to ensure that traditions are upheld year after year!

3. Celebrating achievements. The final semester is the perfect time to reflect on the accomplishments of individuals and as a class. Seniors support the academic awards, athletic commitments, and artistic achievements that shape their class's identity.

The final semester of high school at St. Agnes is a time for reflection, growth, and preparation. For the graduation Class of 2026, it represents the culmination of years of hard work, friendships, and memories. By staying academically focused, preparing for college, cherishing the sisterhood, and embracing leadership, our seniors can finish strong!

Still wondering how to best prepare for your final semester as a senior in high school? If you need more guidance and support in your journey as a high school senior, talk to our College Counseling team today for more information and to find the support you need!