By Laura Romero

Rising seniors, now that junior year is over, it’s time to start preparing for senior year: class events, college applications, and scholarships. The last year of high school will be overwhelming, exciting and definitely very expensive. Here’s how to make most of your senior year on a budget:

Don’t Attend Every School Event

        Senior year is filled with many exciting and fun events but you can still have a great year while missing some events and allowing you to save money. When deciding what events to go to, ask yourself if it’s worth it. For example, if you know you’re going to prom and you’ve already been to homecoming past years, skipping homecoming won’t be so bad and it will be cost effective

Take Advantage of Fee Waivers

        One of the advantages of having free and reduced lunch is the amount of fee waivers that are available. When applying to college, you are going to have to pay application fees as well as test fees if you’re going to take the SAT or ACT. If you qualify for free and reduced lunch, many colleges have fee waivers that you can use; the school also provides two waivers for students that want to take the SAT and ACT. ( SAT subject tests are also covered by fee waivers)

Work a Part-Time Job

        If your schedule allows you, having a part-time job can make senior year a lot easier and less stressful. Even if you can only work a little bit, you can use your extra money to save up for college or for senior events.

Buy or Rent Used Books

        If a teacher is making you purchase a book, try finding someone who can lend you a book or purchase a used book to save some money. After your senior year is over, you will most likely not be needing the books your teacher made you buy; so be cost-effective and rent or buy used books. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer used books in very good conditions.

Shop Where They Offer Student Discounts

        Many places like the movies and museums offer student discounts. If you want to go out on a weekend with friends or family, take advantage of the student discounts many places offer.

        Senior year is a time to make big decisions, to try new things and most importantly, to enjoy high school. Although it may seem overwhelming, the last year of high school is also the best year to have fun, to meet new people, and to make wonderful lasting memories!

Click the link below and learn where you can get all sorts of discounts:

http://www.rather-be-shopping.com/blog/2014/03/25/student-discounts/