Keywords: senior year, college applications, financial aid, time management, career planning, student stress, upskilling, deadlines, scholarships, future of work Summary: In this episode of the Senior Year Plan podcast, host Michelle Erlich discusses the challenges faced by high school seniors during their final year, particularly focusing on managing college applications, deadlines, and the overwhelming pressure that comes with it. Joined by guests Alice Bao and Amarie Biru, they share personal experiences and strategies for staying organized, building timelines, and coping with stress. The conversation also touches on the future of work, the importance of upskilling, and navigating financial aid opportunities for college. Takeaways: Creating an actionable timeline is crucial for managing deadlines. Using digital tools like calendar apps can help stay organized. It's common for seniors to feel overwhelmed during this time. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can reduce stress. Prioritizing deadlines is essential to avoid missing opportunities. Staying informed about industry changes is important for future careers. Upskilling and adapting to new technologies will be necessary for job security. Networking and mentorship can provide valuable insights and support. Self-care and taking breaks are important for mental health. Financial aid opportunities can significantly reduce college costs. "You're going to have a clearer understanding." "Set it up as reminders on your phone." "This year is the most stressful." Chapters 00:00 Navigating Senior Year Challenges 03:09 Strategies for Managing Overwhelm 06:09 Creating an Actionable Timeline 08:51 Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars 12:01 Understanding College Application Processes 14:47 Financial Aid and Scholarship Deadlines 17:50 Effective Time Management Techniques 20:51 Coping Mechanisms for Stress 23:38 Finding and Organizing Deadlines 30:37 Navigating College Applications and Financial Aid 33:37 Managing Deadlines and Overcoming Overwhelm 35:36 The Future of Work and Career Choices 47:05 Staying Informed and Upskilling for Career Success 01:01:13 Preparing for Financial Aid and Scholarships