It starts piling up almost as soon as the bell rings on your first day of senior year: item after item appears on your ever-growing list of things to do. There's school work — books to read, papers to write, tests to study for. There are your activities — clubs, sports, community organizations — and as a senior, you're probably part of the leadership of at least one of those groups. Then there's a whole new set of responsibilities — the college search and application process. And of course, there are those little necessities like sleeping, eating and spending time with family and friends.

If just thinking about your schedule makes you tired, read on for some tips on coping with senior year.

Write It Down. One of the best investments a student can make is a calendar or day planner. Take some time to write down (or type in to your cell phone) all of your upcoming commitments. But don't stop with getting your schedule into your planner, also use this method to help sort out conflicts. When you see possible "crunch times," think about what you can do to reduce your stress. For example, you might have to buckle down and start that research paper a bit earlier than you'd like.

Simplify. Even the most well-organized students can be overwhelmed by too many commitments. If you feel like you're drowning in activity, it may be time to cut back. Of course, blowing off that big Calculus test is not an option (at least, not if you want decent grades), but dropping extracurricular activities that no longer interest you, or delegating more leadership responsibilities, could give you some relief.

Focus. The goal of college admission is to find a college that fits your personal goals, values and personality. It is not a competition to see who among your classmates can get into the most selective or prestigious college. As much as possible, focus on your own interests and goals. Try to stay away from comparing yourself to your friends or classmates. What's right for them may not be right for you.

Take Care Of You. It may be tempting to stay up an extra few hours or even pull an all-nighter to get things done, but you'll pay the price. Losing sleep regularly can take its toll on your health and well-being as well as your academic performance.

When you feel overwhelmed or fatigued, make some time to relax, spend time with friends or family, or do something that refreshes you. Seeking advice from a family member or guidance counselor can also help.

Finally, remember that this is your senior year. You might be busy. You might feel stressed at times. But you should also take every opportunity to make your last year in high school a memorable one.