Senior Year Stress – Supporting the Class of 2026

Senior year is supposed to be a celebration — the big finish before adulthood. But for many students, it’s one of the most stressful times of high school. Between college applications, scholarships, athletics, jobs, and “lasts” of every kind, seniors often feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

The Toll on Mental Health

• Decision overload: College? Trade school? Gap year? The choices feel huge.

• Academic pressure: Maintaining GPA, AP classes, final projects.

• Fear of the future: Leaving friends, stepping into the unknown.

Tips for Students

• Break tasks into smaller pieces — don’t try to tackle everything at once.

• Schedule downtime (yes, actually block it off).

• Talk openly with peers — you’re not the only one feeling the pressure.

Tips for Parents

• Be a sounding board, not just an advice-giver. Sometimes they just need you to listen.

• Celebrate the small milestones, not just the big ones (finished an essay? That counts!).

• Normalize that it’s okay to feel anxious about change — it doesn’t mean they aren’t ready.

💡 Senior year is a marathon, not a sprint. With the right support, the Class of 2026 can cross the finish line with resilience and pride.