Questions to Ask High School Seniors
Thoughtful questions to ask high school seniors to understand their experiences, goals, and perspectives as they transition to adulthood and prepare for their next steps.
1What are you most excited about for your future and what are your biggest goals?
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What are you most excited about for your future and what are your biggest goals?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their aspirations and helps you understand what motivates and drives them as they plan their next steps.
2What has been your favorite part of high school and what will you miss most?
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What has been your favorite part of high school and what will you miss most?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their positive experiences and what they value about their high school years.
3What challenges have you faced during high school and how have you overcome them?
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What challenges have you faced during high school and how have you overcome them?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in their resilience and helps you understand how they handle adversity and personal growth.
4What are your plans after graduation and how did you decide on this path?
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What are your plans after graduation and how did you decide on this path?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in their decision-making process and helps you understand their thought process for major life choices.
5What advice would you give to incoming freshmen or younger students?
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What advice would you give to incoming freshmen or younger students?
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Why this works
Shows respect for their experience and helps you understand what they've learned that could benefit others.
6What teachers or mentors have had the biggest impact on you and why?
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What teachers or mentors have had the biggest impact on you and why?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the people who have influenced them and what qualities they value in mentors.
7What extracurricular activities or experiences have been most meaningful to you?
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What extracurricular activities or experiences have been most meaningful to you?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their interests and helps you understand what activities have shaped their character and skills.
8How do you feel about leaving your hometown and what are your thoughts on change?
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How do you feel about leaving your hometown and what are your thoughts on change?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their relationship with their community and how they handle transitions and new experiences.
9What are your biggest fears or concerns about the future?
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What are your biggest fears or concerns about the future?
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Why this works
Shows empathy and helps you understand their worries and how you might be able to offer support or encouragement.
10What skills or knowledge do you wish you had learned in high school?
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What skills or knowledge do you wish you had learned in high school?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their perspective on education and what they feel prepared or unprepared for.
11How do you stay motivated and what keeps you going when things get tough?
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How do you stay motivated and what keeps you going when things get tough?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their resilience and helps you understand their coping strategies and sources of motivation.
12What are your thoughts on the current state of the world and how do you see your role in it?
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What are your thoughts on the current state of the world and how do you see your role in it?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their worldview and sense of responsibility, showing respect for their perspective on global issues.
13What friendships have been most important to you and how do you plan to maintain them?
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What friendships have been most important to you and how do you plan to maintain them?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their relationships and helps you understand how they value and maintain important connections.
14What do you think you'll be doing in five or ten years?
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What do you think you'll be doing in five or ten years?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their long-term vision and shows interest in their future aspirations and planning.
15What has been your biggest accomplishment in high school and why does it matter to you?
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What has been your biggest accomplishment in high school and why does it matter to you?
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Why this works
Shows respect for their achievements and helps you understand what they value and are proud of.
16How do you handle stress and what do you do to take care of yourself?
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How do you handle stress and what do you do to take care of yourself?
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Why this works
Shows concern for their well-being and helps you understand their self-care practices and stress management.
17What are your thoughts on social media and technology, and how do you use them?
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What are your thoughts on social media and technology, and how do you use them?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their relationship with technology and how they navigate the digital world.
18What questions do you have about adulthood or the next phase of your life?
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What questions do you have about adulthood or the next phase of your life?
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Why this works
Shows your willingness to help and helps you understand what they're curious or uncertain about.
19What legacy do you want to leave behind from your high school years?
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What legacy do you want to leave behind from your high school years?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their values and how they want to be remembered, showing respect for their impact.
20How can I support you as you transition to this next phase of your life?
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How can I support you as you transition to this next phase of your life?
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Why this works
Shows your care and commitment to their success, and helps you understand how you can be most helpful.
Supporting High School Seniors Through Transition
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Active Listening and Engagement
Be Present
Give them your full attention and avoid distractions to show you value their thoughts and experiences.
Ask Follow-up Questions
Show genuine interest by asking follow-up questions that dig deeper into their responses.
Validate Their Feelings
Acknowledge their emotions and experiences as valid, even if you don't fully understand their perspective.
Avoid Judgment
Create a safe space for them to share honestly without fear of criticism or judgment.
Providing Meaningful Support
Offer Practical Help
Provide concrete assistance with applications, planning, or other practical needs they might have.
Share Your Experience
Offer relevant insights from your own experiences while respecting that their journey may be different.
Connect Them with Resources
Help them find mentors, opportunities, or resources that align with their goals and interests.
Celebrate Their Achievements
Acknowledge their accomplishments and milestones, both big and small, to show your pride in their progress.
Encouraging Personal Growth
Encourage Self-Reflection
Help them think about their experiences, values, and goals to build self-awareness and confidence.
Support Their Independence
Encourage them to make their own decisions while being available for guidance when needed.
Foster Resilience
Help them develop coping strategies and confidence in their ability to handle challenges and setbacks.
Maintain Connection
Stay connected and available as they navigate new experiences and challenges in their next phase of life.