Surviving senior year is quite simple outside of college applications, which are hell. It’s probably too late to do anything about improving your transcript or extracurriculars, so don’t worry about those things. Keep your grades up at an average GPA and colleges won’t care. Relax! Get a prep. Get two preps!

Of course, there are those nasty college applications to navigate before you can relax in the heavenly halcyon of senior year’s remedial vegetation.

Let me summarize everything in those books on applying to college and save you some money.

Write your essays early and get them proofread by at least three people, including a priest, rabbi or nun to make sure you’ve written nothing offensive. Write about politics if it’s relevant to you, like if you’re that lone Republican at school. Be honest—you can add dramatic effect, but if community service didn’t genuinely change your attitude towards the homeless, don’t say it did.

Before interviews, think up potential questions and thoughtful answers. They’ll ask you things like, “What’s your favorite book and why?” You’ll have to spew out a verbal short essay within seconds. Be an attentive listener—you will seem polite and charming even when you’re not talking. Research the school thoroughly so you can ask intelligent questions and show you’re serious.

Most importantly, stop putting effort into everything that you don’t care about. (That’s the only really important advice—all that college junk above is mere filler.)

What advice would you give to the class of 2006 for senior year?

"Time to party!" —Boris Lipkin (class of 2005)

"If you're going to cut class, don't do it right in front of the class you're cutting." —Tiffany Chang (class of 2005)

"Time flies so make the most of your senior year." —Jennifer Wang (class of 2005)

“The earlier you get into a school, the earlier senioritis can start.” —Brian Weinstein (class of 2005)