A Beginner’s Guide to SSS

As we find ourselves venturing deeper and deeper into second semester and graduation day looms ever closer, out from the hazy late-night stupor arrive the second semester seniors. As all IMSA students come to know, second semester marks the beginning of the end. With the light at the end of the tunnel that is the college admissions process finally in sight and only a few months of IMSA left, the wound-up seniors take the time to loosen up and make the most of their remaining time. Whether you’re a sophomore with a ways to go or a senior who hasn’t really found their groove, these tips will be sure to help you get more out of your SSS.

1. Sort your schedule.

Arguably one of the most important parts to SSSing is having a ridiculous schedule. I’m talking 11 A.M. starts and days where you only have 2 classes. However, if you don’t take some time to plan things out beforehand, it’s not gonna happen. If possible, try and knock some classes out of the way ahead of time. If you can sneak a fine arts or wellness into your junior year and it won’t kill you, you might as well. You might even consider doubling up in a subject like history. Keep in mind you need at least 5 academic classes per semester.

2. Decide whether or not you want to take hard classes.

Many people try to set up their classes so they have less intense classes during their SSS. Some classes are known to be “SSS killers,” which are classes with a heavy workload. For example, I’d classify Computational Science as one of these because of the tough workload, although I’ve been enjoying it all the same. Of course, if you want to take a class, then take it — don’t let anything stop you! But it wouldn’t hurt to ask upperclassmen for advice on fun classes to take senior year.

3. Indulge in hobbies.

IMSA’s voracious appetite for your time probably leaves you without much free time to dedicate to things you personally pursue. For me, I like to program art, cook, and knit, but dealing with schoolwork and clubs leaves me wanting to sit brain-dead during my free time instead of pursuing these hobbies. Make it a point to set aside some time for yourself and the things you like to do. For the record, cooking at IMSA is absolutely worth the time. Another popular pastime I’ve seen this semester is card games.

4. Try something new.

Your days are numbered, and there’s probably still a lot of things at IMSA you’ve never tried! Never participated in a culture show? Now’s the time. Interested in learning how to dance? There’s like a wing’s worth of people that can show you. Have you ever seen one of IMSA’s plays? Go check one out (The Liar premieres this weekend)! Venture out of your comfort zone, and you might just find something you love. Along these lines, expand your social sphere and spend some time with some people you don’t know as well, even if it’s just through playing cards. Take some risks!

5. Don’t fail your classes.

This should hopefully be self-explanatory.

6. And above all, have fun.

This is your last semester at IMSA. Give your underclassmen a good time and something to look forward to, as well as some memories to keep after you leave this campus. SSS is a celebration of surviving 5 semesters of problem sets, essays, projects, and applications. Make it count!