what is thesis in senior high school

What Is a Senior Thesis?

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A senior thesis is a large, independent research project that students take on during their senior year of high school or college to fulfill their graduation requirement. It is the culminating work of their studies at a particular institution, and it represents their ability to conduct research and write effectively. For some students, a senior thesis is a requirement for graduating with honors.

Students typically work closely with an advisor and choose a question or topic to explore before carrying out an extensive research plan.

Style Manuals and the Paper's Organization

The structure of your research paper will depend, in part, on the style manual that is required by your instructor. Different disciplines, such as history, science, or education, have different rules to abide by when it comes to research paper construction, organization, and modes of citation. The styles for different types of assignment include:

Modern Language Association (MLA): The disciplines that tend to prefer the MLA style guide include literature, arts, and the humanities, such as linguistics, religion, and philosophy. To follow this style, you will use parenthetical citations to indicate your sources and a works cited page to show the list of books and articles you consulted.

American Psychological Association (APA): The APA style manual tends to be used in psychology, education, and some of the social sciences. This type of report may require the following:

• Introduction

Chicago style: "The Chicago Manual of Style" is used in most college-level history courses as well as professional publications that contain scholarly articles. Chicago style may call for endnotes or footnotes corresponding to a bibliography page at the back or the author-date style of in-text citation, which uses parenthetical citations and a references page at the end.

Turabian style: Turabian is a student version of Chicago style. It requires some of the same formatting techniques as Chicago, but it includes special rules for writing college-level papers, such as book reports. A Turabian research paper may call for endnotes or footnotes and a bibliography.

Science style: Science instructors may require students to use a format that is similar to the structure used in publishing papers in scientific journals. The elements you would include in this sort of paper include:

• List of materials and methods used
• Results of your methods and experiments
• Acknowledgments

American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA style book might be required for students in medical or premedical degree programs in college. Parts of an AMA research paper might include:

• Proper headings and lists
• Tables and figures
• In-text citations
• Reference list

Choose Your Topic Carefully

Starting off with a bad, difficult, or narrow topic likely won't lead to a positive result. Don't choose a question or statement that's so broad that it's overwhelming and could comprise a lifetime of research or a topic that's so narrow you'll struggle to compose 10 pages. Consider a topic that has a lot of recent research so you won't struggle to put your hands on current or adequate sources.

Select a topic that interests you. Putting in long hours on a subject that bores you will be arduous—and ripe for procrastination. If a professor recommends an area of interest, make sure it excites you.

Also, consider expanding a paper you've already written; you'll hit the ground running because you've already done some research and know the topic. Last, consult with your advisor before finalizing your topic. You don't want to put in a lot of hours on a subject that is rejected by your instructor.

Organize Your Time

Plan to spend half of your time researching and the other half writing. Often, students spend too much time researching and then find themselves in a crunch, madly writing in the final hours. Give yourself goals to reach along certain "signposts," such as the number of hours you want to have invested each week or by a certain date or how much you want to have completed in those same timeframes.

Organize Your Research

Compose your works cited or bibliography entries as you work on your paper. This is especially important if your style manual requires you to use access dates for any online sources that you review or requires page numbers be included in the citations. You don't want to end up at the very end of the project and not know what day you looked at a particular website or have to search through a hard-copy book looking for a quote that you included in the paper. Save PDFs of online sites, too, as you wouldn't want to need to look back at something and not be able to get online or find that the article has been removed since you read it.

Choose an Advisor You Trust

This may be your first opportunity to work with direct supervision. Choose an advisor who's familiar with the field, and ideally select someone you like and whose classes you've already taken. That way you'll have a rapport from the start. 

Consult Your Instructor

Remember that your instructor is the final authority on the details and requirements of your paper. Read through all instructions, and have a conversation with your instructor at the start of the project to determine his or her preferences and requirements. Have a cheat sheet or checklist of this information; don't expect yourself to remember all year every question you asked or instruction you were given. 

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50 High School Senior Thesis Topics [PDF Included]

As high school seniors approach the end of their academic journey, one final task stands before them: the senior thesis. This capstone project is a culmination of their years of learning and provides an opportunity to delve deeply into a topic of their choosing. The senior thesis is a chance for students to showcase their research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as their creativity and intellectual curiosity. 

With so many potential research topics to explore, the senior thesis is a unique and exciting opportunity for high school seniors to leave their mark on the academic world. In this article, we will explore some of the most interesting and engaging high school senior thesis topics, and offer tips on how to choose the right topic for you.

Unleashing the Creative Minds: Exciting thesis ideas for high schoolers

Much like satire essay topics , literacy essay topics , and biology research topics , the topics given below cover a wide range of subjects, from science and technology to art, and literature. They are intended to inspire high school seniors to think critically and explore their interests in depth.

Students can choose a topic that resonates with them and conduct research to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Each topic has its unique significance and can lead to interesting and thought-provoking insights that can contribute to the larger body of knowledge on the subject.

1.   The effects of social media on mental health: 

With the rise of social media, there is growing concerned about its impact on mental health, making this an important and timely topic to explore.

2.   The impact of climate change on local ecosystems:

 Climate change is an urgent global issue that has significant impacts on local ecosystems, making this topic highly relevant.

3.   The history and impact of jazz music: 

Jazz is a uniquely American art form that has had a profound impact on music and culture worldwide, making it an interesting and important topic for exploration.

4.   The effects of caffeine on the human body: 

Caffeine is a commonly consumed substance with a range of effects on the body, making this topic both interesting and relevant.

5.   The causes and consequences of income inequality: 

Income inequality is a significant societal issue with far-reaching consequences, making this an important topic for exploration.

6.   The role of technology in education: 

Technology is rapidly transforming education, and understanding its impact on learning is crucial for shaping the future of education.

7.   The history and significance of the Civil Rights Movement: 

The Civil Rights Movement was a defining moment in American history that continues to shape our society today, making it a compelling and important topic for study.

8.   The impact of fast food on public health: 

Fast food is a ubiquitous part of modern life with potentially significant health consequences, making this topic both interesting and relevant.

9.   The portrayal of gender roles in media: 

The media plays an important role in shaping societal attitudes toward gender, making this a timely and important topic for exploration.

10.   The history and significance of the Olympic Games: 

The Olympic Games are a celebrated global event with a rich history and cultural significance, making them a fascinating topic for study.

11.   The effects of sleep deprivation on academic performance: 

Sleep is crucial for academic success, and understanding its effects on performance is important for students and educators alike.

12.   The role of art in society: 

Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform society, making this a fascinating and important topic for exploration.

13.   The history and impact of hip-hop music: 

Hip-hop is a cultural phenomenon that has had a significant impact on music, fashion, and society, making it an interesting and important topic for study.

14.   The impact of social class on education: 

Social class can have a significant impact on educational opportunities and outcomes, making this a relevant and important topic for exploration.

15.   The impact of globalization on culture: 

Globalization is reshaping culture in a complex and sometimes unexpected ways, making this a fascinating and important topic for study.

16.   The effects of exercise on mental health: 

Exercise has been shown to have significant mental health benefits, making this an important topic for exploration.

17.   The role of government in protecting the environment: 

Governments play a crucial role in protecting the environment, making this a relevant and important topic for exploration.

18.   The impact of video games on cognitive development: 

Video games are a popular form of entertainment with potentially significant impacts on cognitive development, making this topic both interesting and relevant.

19.   The impact of social media on political activism: 

Social media has been a powerful tool for political activism in recent years, making this topic both timely and important for exploration.

20.   The history and impact of rock music: 

Rock music is a genre with a rich history and cultural significance, making it an interesting and important topic for study.

21.   The effects of stress on physical health: 

Stress can have significant impacts on physical health, making this topic both relevant and important for exploration.

22.   The impact of immigration on society: 

Immigration has shaped societies throughout history, and understanding its impact is crucial for understanding our world today.

23.   The role of art in political activism: 

Art can be a powerful tool for political activism, making this a timely and important topic for exploration.

24.   The effects of technology on human communication: 

Technology is rapidly transforming the way we communicate, making this topic both interesting and relevant.

25.   The impact of social media on self-esteem: 

Social media has been shown to have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem, making this a relevant and important topic for study.

26.   The effects of childhood obesity on health outcomes: 

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern with significant health consequences, making this an important topic for exploration.

27.   The history and impact of punk rock music: 

Punk rock is a genre with a unique history and cultural significance, making it an interesting and important topic for exploration.

28.   The effects of mindfulness meditation on mental health: 

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to have significant mental health benefits, making this an important topic for study.

28.   The impact of technology on privacy: 

Technology has transformed the way we think about privacy, making this a relevant and important topic for study.

29.   The history and impact of reggae music:

 Reggae is a genre with a rich history and cultural significance, making it an interesting and important topic for exploration.

30.   The effects of social support on mental health: 

Social support can have significant mental health benefits, making this an important topic for study.

31.   The portrayal of beauty standards in media: 

The media plays a powerful role in shaping societal attitudes toward beauty, making this an important and timely topic for exploration.

32.   The impact of social media on romantic relationships: 

Social media has transformed the way we navigate romantic relationships, making this topic both interesting and relevant.

33.   The role of technology in modern art: 

Technology is transforming the way we create and experience art, making this a fascinating and important topic for study.

34.   The impact of social class on health outcomes:

 Social class can have a significant impact on health outcomes, making this a relevant and important topic for exploration.

35.   The history and impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: 

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation with profound impacts on American society, making it an important and compelling topic for study.

36.   The effects of peer pressure on academic performance: 

Peer pressure can have both positive and negative impacts on academic performance, making this a relevant and important topic for exploration.

37.   The impact of climate change on global health: 

Climate change has significant impacts on global health, making this a timely and important topic for exploration.

38.   The effects of music on memory and cognitive function: 

Music has been shown to have both short- and long-term effects on memory and cognitive function, making this an interesting and important topic for study.

39. The impact of technology on education: 

Exploring the role of online learning platforms and digital tools in enhancing student learning outcomes.

40. Critical thinking skills in higher education:

 Examining the factors that promote the development of critical thinking skills among college students.

41. Teacher-student relationships and academic achievement:

 Investigating the impact of positive teacher-student relationships on academic performance.

42. The impact of parental involvement on academic achievement: 

Examining the ways in which parental involvement can positively impact academic performance.

43. Learning styles and student achievement:

 Investigating the relationship between individual learning styles and academic achievement.

44. The role of motivation in student success:

 Exploring the importance of motivation in academic achievement.

45. The effects of socioeconomic status on academic achievement:

 Examining the relationship between socioeconomic status and academic performance.

46. Cross-cultural differences in academic achievement:

 Investigating how cultural diversity can impact academic achievement.

47. The impact of standardized testing on student learning:

 Examining the effectiveness of standardized testing as a measure of student achievement.

48. Teaching methods and student engagement:

 Exploring the relationship between different teaching methods and student engagement in learning.

49. The impact of classroom environment on student learning:

 Examining how the physical and social environment of the classroom can impact student learning outcomes.

50. Teacher burnout and turnover: 

Investigating the factors that contribute to teacher burnout and turnover, and the impact on student achievement.

All work and no play makes jack a dull boy: How to make your thesis journey fun?

Writing a thesis can be a long and challenging journey that requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. However, it’s important to remember that taking breaks and finding ways to make the process more enjoyable can help you stay motivated and focused. At the same time, it is often there on every high schooler’s bucket list. Here are some tips to make your thesis journey more fun:

• Break it down into smaller tasks: Writing a thesis can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller tasks can help make it more manageable. You can start by creating a list of tasks and prioritizing them based on importance and deadlines. Then, focus on completing one task at a time, rather than thinking about the entire thesis at once.
• Set achievable goals: Setting goals that are realistic and achievable is important to maintain your motivation and focus. You can set daily, weekly, or monthly goals, depending on your needs and timeline. Celebrating each milestone can help boost your confidence and encourage you to keep going.
• Create a supportive community: It can be helpful to have a supportive community while working on your thesis. You can join a study group, create a writing group with peers, or seek a mentor to provide guidance and support. Having people who understand what you’re going through can help you feel less alone and motivate you to keep working.
• Find a comfortable workspace: Your workspace can have a big impact on your productivity and focus. Find a space that is comfortable and free from distractions. Make sure your desk and chair are at the right height, and that you have adequate lighting. A clutter-free workspace can also help you feel more organized and focused.
• Take breaks: Taking regular breaks is important to avoid burnout and maintain your focus. You can take short breaks throughout the day to stretch, meditate, or take a walk. Longer breaks, such as a weekend getaway, can also help you recharge and come back to your work with fresh energy.
• Mix it up: Sometimes, changing your routine can help you stay engaged and focused. You can experiment with different writing techniques, such as brainstorming, mind-mapping, or freewriting. Changing your study location can also help, such as working from a café, library, or park. Listening to music or using different background noises can also help you stay focused.
• Reward yourself: Setting up a reward system can help you stay motivated and give you something to look forward to. You can reward yourself for completing a task, reaching a milestone, or sticking to your study schedule. Rewards can be small, such as a favorite snack or a movie, or larger, such as a weekend trip or a spa day.

In conclusion, high school senior thesis topics can be a great way for students to explore their interests and develop critical thinking skills. These topics cover a wide range of subjects and can lead to fascinating insights and discoveries. By conducting research and writing a thesis, students can gain a deeper understanding of their chosen topic and contribute to the larger body of knowledge on the subject.

Whether exploring social issues, science, technology, art, or literature, there is a topic out there for every student to delve into and make their own. By choosing a topic that resonates with them and putting in the work to create a well-researched and thoughtful thesis, high school seniors can develop valuable skills and gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.

Having a 10+ years of experience in teaching little budding learners, I am now working as a soft skills and IELTS trainers. Having spent my share of time with high schoolers, I understand their fears about the future. At the same time, my experience has helped me foster plenty of strategies that can make their 4 years of high school blissful. Furthermore, I have worked intensely on helping these young adults bloom into successful adults by training them for their dream colleges. Through my blogs, I intend to help parents, educators and students in making these years joyful and prosperous.

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Why the Senior Thesis? (Updated for 2022)

Is your student in Challenge IV , preparing and writing for their Senior Thesis? Or, will your child soon enter Challenge IV and is intimidated at the prospect of writing such an intensive paper? Although Senior Thesis can be a difficult task, the rewards of this capstone project that ends students’ high school journey are abundant.

What Is the Challenge IV Senior Thesis?

The Greek word thesis means “something put forth.” And the Classical Conversations Senior Thesis is an opportunity for Challenge IV students to “put forth” their ideas. Students pick any academic topic that interests them and incorporate significant and relevant ideas from across the Challenge program. They develop a persuasive thesis statement and then prove their claim in a sizable paper. Later, they present and defend their thesis before a panel in lieu of final exams. The Senior Thesis is the culmination of a student’s entire school experience in which they offer up the fruits of their labors.

As ominous as a paper of this size may sound, this project doesn’t need to be intimidating. As students work through the process of writing their papers over the course of the second semester, they have rich conversations with their Director each step of the way. In addition, they are guided by parents and chosen mentors. And, Challenge IV students follow a writing process similar to the one learned in their study of The Lost Tools of Writing in the earlier Challenge levels but adapted for older, more mature students.

Using the Five Canons of Rhetoric

Senior Thesis naturally takes students through the Five Canons of Rhetoric to create a compelling, well-researched paper. Beginning with invention, students select a topic and ask questions about it using the Five Common Topics of Dialectic to develop a claim (or thesis) to be proven. At this stage, an ANI (affirmative-negative-interesting) chart is helpful to build arguments and to select and then sort supporting evidence. Next comes arrangement, in which students solidify the vision and reinforce the direction of their papers, organizing their information and creating outlines. In the elocution stage, ideas finally hit the paper as students write and refine their first drafts. Through numerous reviews, students and advisors consider the flow of ideas, the argumentation, the style, and the mechanics of the paper. Students then write an abstract — a short, clear summary of the thesis and main ideas included in the paper. Finally, students memorize their abstracts and prepare for delivering an oral presentation and defense of their work in front of judges at a Senior Thesis defense held at their local community.

Why Write a Senior Thesis?

The benefits of writing a Senior Thesis are many. Students produce a rhetorical artifact that represents the skills and abilities gained throughout their years in the Classical Conversations programs. They demonstrate true ownership of their education by coordinating with an advisor, planning and completing a long-term project, and publicly defending their positions. Presenting their theses before a panel allows students to incorporate all three modes of persuasion: logos (logic), ethos (character), and pathos (emotion). Throughout the Challenge years, students encounter and discuss big ideas, and the Senior Thesis is a beautiful culmination of their educational experience.

Not yet a Classical Conversations member and interested in our community-based approach to homeschooling? We’d love to hear from you! To learn more about us, click here .

This post was originally published on January 11, 2016.

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What Is A Senior Thesis And How To Write It?

First, what is senior thesis? A senior thesis is a written project where you use different hypotheses, theory, argument, or creative thinking. It is usual practice for most students to take this project work in the senior year of college or high school.

A senior thesis tends to be more demanding than a research paper in terms of the amount of work and the length of the write-up. However, it is less than the work required for any Master’s thesis.

Is a Senior Thesis Required?

It is understandable to want to know if a senior thesis is required. I mean, anyone would want to know just how important it is before choosing to dedicate much time to it.

Well, a senior thesis is not compulsory in every college/university, and neither is it compulsory for every course of study.

In general, you can write a senior thesis if you have an overall GPA of 3.2, are ending your junior year, and meet your departmental requirements. If a senior thesis is not a requirement for completing your degree, you may decide to write one for several reasons. Some benefits are:

• It will look good on your resume
• It will give you an opportunity for some independent research
• You get some experience managing your project, etc.

If you cannot commit to finishing a senior thesis, then you shouldn’t start it. But if you would like to write one, then we’ve got lots of senior thesis topics and ideas for you! You will also get to learn how to write a senior thesis in this article!

How To Write a Senior Thesis

Writing a senior thesis can be a lot easier if you know what to do. First, you need to choose the right adviser, select a topic you would like to work on, write a proposal, and get approved. Here are some things you need to know about writing your senior thesis.

A thesis proposal is a short overview of what your senior thesis papers will look like. This document carries detailed descriptions of your senior thesis topic. Your thesis proposal can be between 1 to 5 pages long and should carry any relevant information. The proposal will also carry a list of books you’ve used or that you intend to use during the writing of your senior thesis.

The length of a senior thesis may vary depending on several reasons. The senior thesis length can be dependent on strict specifications by the college. Your senior thesis may be between 10,000 to 20,000 words long.

The senior honors thesis is a 6-credit final thesis that you must present as a written formal document. The senior thesis title page, also known as the cover page, is the page that carries, at first glance, details of the project. The information on this page includes the thesis title, name of the student, name of college, name of supervisor, etc.

The senior thesis defense is an avenue created for faculty and examiners to ask you about your research work. You are to tell them the outcome of the research to the point when you’re asked. The questions center around what you have in your senior thesis paper, so ensure you have remarkable up-to-date information at every point.

Senior Thesis Topic

It is essential that you find excellent senior thesis topics. Finding these excellent topics is the pain point for many students. Well, we are here to help you with some senior thesis topics.

Checking out past senior thesis topics can also set you on the right path earlier in your research. For example, if you are a student writing a CMC senior thesis, senior thesis UF, senior thesis Princeton, or yale senior thesis, you can search for award-winning senior thesis topics. These topics can give you an idea of topics that may best suit your purposes. Never forget that you should always choose topics that you find interesting. Here are some history senior thesis topics that you can choose from:

• Yankees of the East: 20th Century America
• History of the German Ford Motor Company
• How women saw themselves in the Jazz Age
• The Emergence of Great Societies
• The roles of women post WWII

Get A Senior Thesis Example

Looking through some senior thesis examples can help you easily get the hang of what a senior thesis looks like. You can also request past projects from senior friends and colleagues, as this can significantly reduce the stress on you.

Senior Thesis Format

Now, I’ll give you a working senior thesis format. If you want an excellent and well-written thesis, you can follow the senior thesis outline given below. Here is an outline according to the guidelines for writing UF senior thesis or Princeton senior thesis.

In this chapter, you have to discuss the significance and purpose of the thesis. Also, you should state what you hope to achieve by the work.

Here, you will discuss the theory behind your research work. This chapter discusses past theoretical works that are related to your research.

This chapter explains how you intend to gather your data. Here, you state the method and experiments you followed to arrive at your results. It would help if you also described the analysis of your data. This must be done conscientiously.

This chapter addresses the findings from your experiments and data analysis only. You begin by listing out the types of tests taken and the outcome. You can use tables and charts to illustrate numeric results as the case may be.

Here you don’t just restate your findings, but you expatiate on the deductions you made from your findings. This chapter answers the “so what?” question. This is not a section to mince words when you explain what the results mean to the theory.

Include all references at the end of work.

Senior Thesis Ideas

There are many fields and sources to get senior thesis topic ideas from. These fields include health, technology, social media, education, religion, music, environment, etc. If you want to do a UF psychology senior thesis research, for example, these are some senior thesis psychology topics you can explore.

• The deep-seated reasons for discrimination and prejudice
• Personal perception and social cognition
• Marketing, propaganda, and persuasion
• Eating behaviors and outlook about life
• Phobias and antisocial behaviors
• Group therapy profile
• False memories and dreams.

Graphic Design Senior Thesis

When you become a senior in the Graphic Design Program at your institution, you can choose a social or personal problem to address through a design problem-solving technique or process. It may take you a semester or session to complete this work, so you have to start early enough. After completing the thesis, you can showcase your work and experience an exhibition. Don’t forget to put in your best effort.

High School Senior Thesis

The high school senior thesis is a document of at least 2,000 words written by high school seniors. This exercise usually strengthens research capabilities. Some high school senior thesis topics may include:

• A documentary on a place
• Learning about programming
• Research about the nature of colors and lots more.

In conclusion, when you’ve decided to write a senior thesis, the best thing to do is segment your work into small doable bits. Also, you need to schedule your time so that you can complete the thesis in due time or contact professional thesis writers . We wish you good luck!

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Doing a senior thesis is an exciting enterprise. It’s often the first time students are engaging in truly original research and trying to develop a significant contribution to a field of inquiry. But as joyful as an independent research process can be, you don’t have to go it alone. It’s important to have support as you navigate such a large endeavor, and the ARC is here to offer one of those layers of support.

Whether or not to write a senior thesis is just the first in a long line of questions thesis writers need to consider. In addition to questions about the topic and scope of your thesis, there are questions about timing, schedule, and support. For example, if you are collecting data, when should data collection start and when should it be completed? What kind of schedule will you write on? How will you work with your adviser? Do you want to meet with your adviser about your progress once a month? Once a week? What other resources can you turn to for information, feedback, and support?

Even though there is a lot to think about and a lot to do, doing a thesis really can be an enjoyable experience! Keep reminding yourself why you chose this topic and why you care about it.

Tips for Tackling Big Projects:

Break the process down into manageable chunks.

• When you’re approaching a big project, it can seem overwhelming to look at the whole thing at once, so it’s essential to identify the smaller steps that will move you towards the completed project.
• Your adviser is best suited to help you break down the thesis process with field-specific advice.
• If you need to refine the breakdown further so it makes sense for you, schedule an appointment with an  Academic Coach . An academic coach can help you think through the steps in a way that works for you.

Schedule brief writing sessions at regular times.

• Pre-determine the time, place, and duration.
• Keep it short (15 to 60 minutes).
• Have a clear and reasonable goal for each writing session.
• Make it a regular event (every day, every other day, MWF).
• time is not wasted deciding to write if it’s already in your calendar;
• keeping sessions short reduces the competition from other tasks that are not getting done;
• having an achievable goal for each session provides a sense of accomplishment (a reward for your work);
• writing regularly can turn into a productive habit.

Create accountability structures.

• In addition to having a clear goal for each writing session, it's important to have clear goals for each week and to find someone to communicate these goals to, such as your adviser, a “thesis buddy,” your roommate, etc. Communicating your goals and progress to someone else creates a useful sense of accountability.
• If your adviser is not the person you are communicating your progress to on a weekly basis, then request to set up a structure with your adviser that requires you to check in at less frequent but regular intervals.
• Commit to attending Accountability Hours  at the ARC on the same day every week. Making that commitment will add both social support and structure to your week. Use the ARC Scheduler to register for Accountability Hours.
• Set up an accountability group in your department or with thesis writers from different departments.

Create feedback structures.

• It’s important to have a means for getting consistent feedback on your work and to get that feedback early. Work on large projects often lacks the feeling of completeness, so don’t wait for a whole section (and certainly not the whole thesis) to feel “done” before you get feedback on it!
• Your thesis adviser is typically the person best positioned to give you feedback on your research and writing, so communicate with your adviser about how and how often you would like to get feedback.
• If your adviser isn’t able to give you feedback with the frequency you’d like, then fill in the gaps by creating a thesis writing group or exploring if there is already a writing group in your department or lab.
• The Harvard College Writing Center is a great resource for thesis feedback. Writing Center Senior Thesis Tutors can provide feedback on the structure, argument, and clarity of your writing and help with mapping out your writing plan. Visit the Writing Center website to schedule an appointment with a thesis tutor .

Accept that there will be some anxious moments.

• To reduce this source of anxiety, try keeping a separate document where you jot down ideas on how your research questions or central argument might be clarifying or changing as you research and write. Doing this will enable you to stay focused on the section you are working on and to stop worrying about forgetting the new ideas that are emerging.
• You might feel anxious when you realize that you need to update your argument in response to the evidence you have gathered or the new thinking your writing has unleashed. Know that that is OK. Research and writing are iterative processes – new ideas and new ways of thinking are what makes progress possible.
• Breaking down big projects into manageable chunks and mapping out a schedule for working through each chunk is one way to reduce this source of anxiety. It’s reassuring to know you are working towards the end even if you cannot quite see how it will turn out.
• It may be that your thesis or dissertation never truly feels “done” to you, but that’s okay. Academic inquiry is an ongoing endeavor.

Focus on what works for you.

• Just because your roommate wrote 10 pages in a day doesn’t mean that’s the right pace or strategy for you.
• If you are having trouble figuring out what works for you, use the  ARC Scheduler  to make an appointment with an  Academic Coach , who can help you come up with daily, weekly, and semester-long plans.

Use your resources.

• There’s a lot of the thesis writing process that has to be done independently, but there are also a lot of free resources at Harvard to help you do the work.
• If you’re having trouble finding a source, email your question or set up a research consult via Ask a Librarian .
• If you’re looking for additional feedback or help with any aspect of writing, contact the Harvard College Writing Center . The Writing Center has Senior Thesis Tutors who will read drafts of your thesis (more typically, parts of your thesis) in advance and meet with you individually to talk about structure, argument, clear writing, and mapping out your writing plan.
• If you need help with breaking down your project or setting up a schedule for the week, the semester, or until the deadline, use the  ARC Scheduler  to make an appointment with an  Academic Coach .
• If you would like an accountability structure for social support and to keep yourself on track, come to Accountability Hours at the ARC.

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How to Write a Senior Thesis? Student’s Manual

If you’re an undergraduate student, you might know that you will be required to write a senior thesis to graduate. You may also know that this will be the most challenging project that you might have to undertake during your academic career. But, what is a senior thesis? And, how do you write it successfully within the provided timeframe?

Well, a senior thesis is an independent, large research project that learners are required to undertake during their college or high school senior year as a graduation requirement. It is also called a senior honors thesis. This project marks the culmination of the study work of students at a learning institution. It represents the ability of the leaders to conduct independent research and present their findings in writing effectively. In most cases, undertaking this project successfully is a requirement for learners to graduate with honors.

On joining high school or college, many students ask, “Is a senior thesis required for my program?” Knowing whether you will be required to write this paper early is important because it enables you to prepare for it. Thus, you avoid struggling to learn how to write a senior thesis at the last minute. Nevertheless, this project shouldn’t give you sleepless nights. Just follow these steps when writing a senior thesis.

Choose a Senior Thesis Topic you’re Passionate About

Writing senior thesis papers gives most students the first opportunity to choose their preferred topics to write about. This provides incredible autonomy. But, if you choose a topic that you aren’t passionate about, dedicating hours or days exploring it in detail will be difficult.

Completing college and high school senior thesis entails writing in an unscripted world. This converts dreaming into praxis while enabling learners to expand academic horizons past what they are accustomed to.

This project presents an outlet for converting the imaginary world into something tangible and real that mentors and peers can read, understand, and challenge. These possibilities make it possible for students to get senior thesis topics that invoke feelings of zeal.

If unsure of what to write about, explore senior thesis topic ideas online. These can be a good place to start the process of choosing a topic for your thesis. The internet has many sources where you can find great ideas for history senior thesis topics and senior thesis topic psychology experts and students would like to read about. Explore these sources to find a topic you will find interesting to write about.

Write a Senior Thesis Outline

Once you’ve chosen a topic, conduct some research to know the main topics to include in your paper. Come up with an outline that will enable you to present your main topics and their supporting evidence. An outline is a structure that shows how you will present the information gathered through in-depth research.

Your outline can include the senior thesis title page, the introduction , the body section with the chapters to be included, and the conclusion. How you outline your paper should depend on the information you wish to include and the instructions provided by your professor.

The outline should solve tasks like:

• Reveal your topic and thesis statement
• Show the expediency and relevance of the project
• Show the chosen methodological base
• Expound your senior thesis ideas or thoughts consistently and logically
• Draw conclusions objectively

To avoid missing important information, your outline should include a senior thesis cover page, the introduction, theoretical part, practical part, scientific novelty evidence, conclusions, bibliography, and applications. These sections should be logically completed and detailed.

Each senior thesis format may vary but it should reflect the main ideas of the entire project. It should also show the essence of every subparagraph and chapter if they are parts of the work.

Define the Objectives and Goals of Your Thesis

There are many college and high school senior thesis topics you may have chosen. So, why did you choose this particular topic for your paper? What do you want to accomplish by the end of your project? Whether you’re writing a CMC senior thesis or a UF senior thesis, you should have clear goals and objectives of your project.

When writing this paper, a goal can be to consolidate and systemize a theory in a specialty within the course of solving a practical problem and identifying independent work’s abilities. Tasks should also be formulated. For instance, a task can be to formulate literature on a topic after studying it, researching, and learning its basic concepts and terms. You can use a senior thesis example in your field to see how the author has defined their goals and objectives in the paper.

Make and Stick to a Schedule for Writing Your Senior Thesis Paper

Perhaps, the question that’s lingering in your mind now is, “how long is a senior thesis?” Well, most professors expect students to write between 70 and 89-page magnum opus. However, some would rather have learners write a strong article-sized thesis of between 25 and 40 pages. Thus, most professors look for quality rather than quantity.

But, regardless of your senior thesis length, have a schedule for writing it and stick to it. You can have something like a to-do list. This will make you feel like you have accomplished something whenever you cross off something from the list. You can have a weekly checklist or schedule that coincides with your writing process.

Procrastination may have plagued your past in academics. Nevertheless, bear in mind the fact that you might not succeed with your senior thesis defense if you keep procrastinating. Therefore, come up with a schedule and stick to it throughout or ask thesis services to help you.

Your schedule should highlight when to submit your senior thesis proposal, as well as when to write certain sections, when to complete the first draft and when your final draft will be due. The schedule should enable you to visualize both the short-term and long-term objectives of your writing project.

Start Writing

Whether you’re writing a Princeton senior thesis or Yale senior thesis, the structure is almost the same. You have to include certain parts and focus on writing each section at a time.

Your paper should include the following sections, according to the normal academic standards:

• The title page
• Table of contents
• The abstract
• A five-page introduction
• The main part
• A conclusion with two to three pages
• Bibliographic list
• Applications

To know the content to include in each of these sections, find and read good senior thesis examples. Most schools and faculties have samples that can guide students in writing these papers. Therefore, talk to your professor to see if they can get you a sample thesis.

Proofread Your Work

This is the last step in the process of writing this paper. Whether you have written a UF psychology senior thesis or a graphic design senior thesis, make sure that you proofread your work to remove all errors.

Focus on the following when proofreading your work:

• Logical or smooth development of the content of your thesis
• Work structure
• Flow of your thought and sentence structure
• All errors, including contextual, stylistic, punctuation, spelling, and grammatical.
• Thesis formatting

Make sure that you have presented your senior thesis psychology or senior thesis UF work in a clear and easy to understand manner.

You no longer have to ask, ‘what is senior thesis?’ That’s because this article has explained everything you need to know about this paper. Follow the guidelines and tips provided here to complete your project successfully whether you’re writing a senior thesis Princeton or Yale paper.

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Search the site, search suggestions, preparing for a senior thesis.

Every year, a little over half of Harvard’s senior class chooses to pursue a senior thesis. While the senior thesis looks a little different from field to field, one thing remains the same: completion of a senior thesis is a serious and challenging endeavor that requires the student to make a genuine intellectual contribution to their field of interest.

The senior thesis is a significant task for students to undertake, but there is a variety of support resources available here at Harvard to ensure that seniors can make the best of their senior thesis experience.

Wandering the library stacks at Widener.

I do most of my research in Widener Library. Hannah Martinez

As a rising senior in the History department, I am planning on pursuing a senior thesis on the history and use of the SAT in college admissions, and I am using the following support systems and resources to research and write my thesis:

• Staff at the History department. Every student within the department is assigned an academic advisor, who is a graduate student studying History at Harvard and knows the support available within the department. My academic advisor has helped me throughout the thesis process by connecting me with potential faculty members to advise my thesis and pick classes with a lighter course load so I can focus on completing my thesis. The Director of Undergraduate Studies in History (the History DUS) has also been pivotal in making sure that I attended a lot of information sessions about what the thesis looks like and how much of a commitment it is.
• History faculty at Harvard! All of my professors in History have been incredibly helpful in teaching me how to write like a historian, how to use primary sources in my essays, and how to undertake a serious research project over the course of a semester. Of course, while the thesis will require me to go far beyond what I’ve ever done before, I feel prepared to take on such a task because of the unwavering support from the History faculty. My mentor, Emma Rothschild, is one of the members of the faculty who has been invaluable in encouraging me to go as far as I am able.
• And last but certainly not least: funding. Funding, whether in term-time of the summer before senior year, is crucial towards making the senior thesis possible. Harvard’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships is dedicated to connecting Harvard students to funding sources across the university so they can pursue their research and get paid for it. This summer, I received a grant from the university of almost $2,000 so I am able to travel to libraries, buy books, and potentially take time off of work and do my research. Without such a grant, it would be incredibly difficult for me to do enough research so I can write a thesis this upcoming fall.

As you can see, there are multiple avenues for support and resources here at Harvard so your senior thesis is as easy as possible. While the senior thesis is still a challenging project that will take up a lot of time, Harvard’s resources make it possible for senior students to do their very best in all of their theses. I’m excited to start writing this fall!

Hannah Class of '23 Alumni

Hello! My name is Hannah, and I am a rising senior at Harvard concentrating in History from southeast Los Angeles County.

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Writing a senior thesis: is it worth it.

Before coming to Yale, I thought a thesis was the main argument of a paper. I quickly learned that an undergraduate thesis is about fifty times harder and fifty pages longer than any thesis arguments I wrote in high school. At Yale, every senior has some sort of senior requirement, but thesis projects vary by department. Some departments require students to do a semester-long project, where you write a longer paper (25-35 pages) or expand, through writing, the research you’ve been working on (mostly applies to STEM majors). In some departments you can take two senior seminars and complete a longer project at the end of the semester. And other departments have an option to complete a year-long thesis: you spend your senior year (and in some cases your junior year), intensely researching and writing about a topic you choose or create yourself.

Both my departments––English and Ethnicity, Race, and Migration––offer all three of these options, and each student decides what they think is best for them. As a double major, I had the additional option to write an even longer thesis combining both my majors, but that seemed like way too much work––especially since I would have to take two senior thesis classes at the same time. Instead, I chose a year-long thesis for ER&M that combined my literary interests with various theoretical frameworks and the two senior seminars for English. This spring I’m taking my second seminar. Really, I chose the option to torture myself for a whole year, the end result being a minimum of 50 pages of innovative thinking and writing. I wanted to rise to the challenge, proving to myself I could do it. But there also seemed to be the pressure of “this is what everyone in the major does,” and a “thesis is proof that you actually learned.” Although these sentiments influenced my decision to complete a thesis, I know a long research paper does not validate my education or work as a scholar the last four years. It is not the end all be all.

My senior thesis focuses on Caribbean literature - specifically, two novels written by Caribbean women that really look at what it means to come from an immigrant family, to move, and to find yourself in completely new spaces. These experiences are all too relatable to my own life as a second-generation woman of color with immigrant parents enrolled at Yale. In my writing, I focus on how these women make sense of “home” (a very broad and complicated topic, I know), and what their stories tell us about the diasporic experience in general. The project is very personal to me, and I chose it because I wanted to understand my family’s history and their task in making “home” in the U.S., whatever that means. But because it’s so personal, it’s also been really difficult. I’ve experienced a lot of writer’s block or often felt unmotivated and judgmental towards my work. I’ve realized how difficult it is to devote your time and energy to such a long process––not only is it research heavy, but you have to write and rewrite drafts, constantly adjusting to make sure you’re being as clear as possible. Really, writing a thesis is like writing a portion of a book. And that’s crazy! You’re writing two or three whole chapters of academic work as an undergraduate student.

The process is definitely not for everyone, and I’ve certainly thought “Why did I want to do this again?” But what’s really kept me going is the support from my advisors and friends. The ER&M department faculty does an amazing job of providing us mentorship, revisions, and support throughout the process; my advisor has served as my editor but also the person who reminds me most that this work is important, as I often forget that. It also helps to have many friends and people in the major also writing their theses. I’ve found different spaces to just have a thesis study hall or working time, with other people also struggling through. Recently, I submitted my first full draft (note: it was kind of unfinished but it’s okay because it’s a draft!), and it was crazy to think that I wrote 50+ pages, most of which are just my own original thoughts and analysis on two books that have almost no scholarship written about them. It was a relief for sure. This week I will be taking a full break from it, but it reminded me of why I began this journey. It reminded me of all the people who’ve supported me along the way, and how I really couldn’t have done it without them. And now, I’m really looking forward to how good it will feel to turn in my fully written thesis mid-April. I’ve realized that this project shouldn’t be about making it good for Yale’s standard, but for myself, for my family, and for the people who believe in this work as much as I do.

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Senior Thesising 101: Choosing your Topic

      Senior thesis. Senior thesis. Senior thesis. By this time of year, you have most likely heard seniors in the middle of the night at Firestone or at Coffee Club study breaks, thinking about, stressing about, and working on their senior thesis. In my last post, I wrote about one of the first and most important steps of the senior thesis process, choosing the right adviser (see here ). Now, I walk through what I believe to be another pivotal moment for the senior thesis process: choosing a topic. For SPIA majors and presumably for many other majors as well, it may seem difficult to narrow down your project to one specific topic when the major is so broad and diverse. Throughout my time at Princeton, I have taken classes in law, environmental policy, psychology, economics, ethics and more, and I enjoyed them all. But, I eventually had to choose one topic to write a full thesis on. So, without further ado, here are some steps on choosing the right topic for you.

• Ask yourself the obvious

When you start brainstorming ideas for your thesis, there are no bad questions. Sometimes, it is best to close the laptop, go outside, and reflect on what you really want to get out of your thesis. If you write about something that you love, believe it or not, it really won’t feel like work. Specifically, I asked myself the following questions: What do I like? What do I enjoy writing about? What kind of impact do I want to have through my thesis? Should it be quantitative or qualitative? Who is my advisor and what research do they focus on? What do I want to learn more about? What type of thesis would I be proud of? Upon asking myself these questions, I realized that I really wanted to do some sort of experiment that changed minds for the better. As you may be thinking, this is extremely broad. But, it’s okay to only have a broad idea at the start (just not in March).

2. Reflect on Courses and Extracurriculars

     Upon reflecting on the “obvious”, you should also think back to the classes that you enjoyed most at Princeton and the extracurriculars that you participated in. Your senior thesis is an opportunity to bring together your academic interests, your leadership interests, maybe even your friendships, and so much more. When I thought back to my favorite classes and my junior papers, it reaffirmed my belief that I wanted to write a behavioral policy paper. Furthermore, when I started to think about my extracurriculars, I realized that education reform and the opportunity gap is what I am truly passionate about. I grew up tutoring in Newark and currently work as an after school teacher off campus. I realized after thinking about my love for education that this paper was an opportunity to dive deeper into issues that I have witnessed on the ground in the past, such as the opportunity gap in education.

3. Meet with your Adviser

     Number 3 is an obvious and quick step, but it had to be said! Your thesis adviser is your number 1 resource throughout the thesis process! My thesis adviser is absolutely amazing and he has been helpful from beginning to end. If you have trouble coming up with a topic, you should meet with your adviser and be honest with them and yourself about what type of thesis you would like to write and if they have any suggestions for resources or how to move forward.

4. Gather Sources

      If you have a few potential ideas, I would take a day to read up on them. If you are half asleep in the Whitman library after reading a singular paragraph, then that probably isn’t the topic for you! Get a sense for the literature on any topic that you are interested in to see if this is something that you want to look into for the next full year.

5. Ask Yourself: Would this Thesis Create Happiness?

     This might be a hot take, but I have absolutely loved writing my senior thesis. I was able to conduct an experiment on the opportunity gap in education and attempt to change minds for the better. It almost felt surreal in the moment because it was something that I always wanted to do, but never had the flexibility or resources to until beginning my thesis. I would try to view the thesis as an opportunity, rather than an assignment. Princeton has incredible resources and your thesis allows you to make use of them and explore the world, literally. I think the most important question to ask yourself while choosing your topic is: will you enjoy writing this thesis? Will this thesis make a positive impact on your life or others’? If the answer is no, my opinion is that you should move on. If yes, you just got yourself a senior thesis topic…Let’s gooooo!!!!!

—   Ryan Champeau, Social Sciences Correspondent

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The Senior Thesis

From the outset of their time at Princeton, students are encouraged and challenged to develop their scholarly interests and to evolve as independent thinkers.

The culmination of this process is the senior thesis, which provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue original research and scholarship in a field of their choosing. At Princeton, every senior writes a thesis or, in the case of some engineering departments, undertakes a substantial independent project.

Integral to the senior thesis process is the opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member who guides the development of the project. Thesis writers and advisers agree that the most valuable outcome of the senior thesis is the chance for students to enhance skills that are the foundation of future success, including creativity, intellectual engagement, mental discipline and the ability to meet new challenges.

Many students develop projects from ideas sparked in the classes they’ve taken; others fashion their topics on the basis of long-standing personal passions. Most thesis writers encounter the intellectual twists and turns of any good research project, where the questions emerge as they proceed, often taking them in unexpected directions.

Planning for the senior thesis starts in earnest in the junior year, when students complete a significant research project known as the junior paper. Students who plan ahead can make good use of the University's considerable resources, such as receiving University funds to do research in the United States or abroad. Other students use summer internships as a launching pad for their thesis. For some science and engineering projects, students stay on campus the summer before their senior year to get a head start on lab work.

Writing a thesis encourages the self-confidence and high ambitions that come from mastering a difficult challenge. It fosters the development of specific skills and habits of mind that augur well for future success. No wonder generations of graduates look back on the senior thesis as the most valuable academic component of their Princeton experience.

Navigating Colombia’s Magdalena River, One Story At A Time

For his senior thesis, Jordan Salama, a Spanish and Portuguese major, produced a nonfiction book of travel writing about the people and places along Colombia’s main river, the Magdalena.

Embracing the Classics to Inform Policymaking for Public Education

For her senior thesis, Emma Treadwayconsiders how the basic tenets of Stoicism — a school of philosophy that dates from 300 BCE — can teach students to engage empathetically with the world and address inequities in the classroom.

Creating A Faster, Cheaper and Greener Chemical Reaction

One way to make drugs more affordable is to make them cheaper to produce. For her senior thesis research, Cassidy Humphreys, a chemistry major with a passion for medicine, took on the challenge of taking a century-old formula at the core of many modern medications — and improving it.

The Humanity of Improvisational Dance

Esin Yunusoglu investigated how humans move together and exist in a space — both on the dance floor and in real life — for the choreography she created as her senior thesis in dance, advised by Professor of Dance Susan Marshall.

From the Blog

The infamous senior thesis, revisiting wwii: my senior thesis, independent work in its full glory, advisers, independent work and beyond.

5 shot after Maryland high school senior skip day turns violent: 'What is the world coming to?'

F ive people were shot in Greenbelt, Maryland, during a high school senior skip day party at a park, police said in a Friday evening press conference. 

The shooting happened at Hanover Parkway in Prince George's County. 

Hundreds of students were gathered for the party before shots rang out around 2:30 p.m., Greenbelt Police Chief Rick Bowers said. 

"My heart breaks for them. These are just kids trying to have a good time," Bowers said of the victims, who ranged in age from 16 to 18. 

LOUISIANA MAN ALLEGEDLY STALKS ESTRANGED WIFE, SENDS ‘DEATH FLOWER’ BEFORE KILLING HER: POLICE

One of the victims was in critical condition, he said, while the others are in stable condition. 

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"This is a horrible, tragic, senseless act that happened today," he added. "There is no reason that this occurred. These were seniors or senior skip day." 

OHIO MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER AFTER ALLEGEDLY SHOOTING, KILLING UBER DRIVER HE BELIEVED WAS SCAMMING HIM

Greenbelt Mayor Emmett V. Jordan echoed Bowers' sentiment. 

"If a group of high school students can not get together and have a good time, what is the world coming to?"

Bowers said no arrests have been made, but police believe there is one suspect who escaped when the shooting started. 

"I'm pretty upset by this," Bowers added as he, Jordan and the city manager vowed to catch the suspect while appealing to the public for help. 

Original article source: 5 shot after Maryland high school senior skip day turns violent: 'What is the world coming to?'

Teen held on murder charge after fatal shooting following Arkansas high school prom

A teenager was in police custody on a first-degree murder charge after a high school senior was shot dead early Sunday at a party following a prom, police said.

Arkansas State Police confirmed that Donterious Stephens, 19, was arrested Sunday afternoon, hours after Lorenzo Harrison III, 18, was fatally shot in the town of Helena-West Helena.

The town, on the banks of the Mississippi River, is about 50 miles southwest of Memphis, Tennessee.

The Helena-West Helena School District Administration said in a statement that Harrison’s death was a tragic loss.

The suspect will also be charged with "possession of firearms by certain persons," police said.

The shooting took place at an off-campus party following a prom attended by students of Helena-West Helena’s Central High School. Stephens is a former student at the school, police said.

No other injuries were reported.

Earlier Sunday, police had identified Stephens as a suspect and said in a statement that he would be charged with first-degree murder and possession of firearms.

The Phillips County Sheriff's Office requested assistance after it received an emergency call about 1 a.m. Sunday, police said. Police said the party was held opposite the Ater Warehouse on Highway 49 heading west out of Helena.

Harrison’s body will be taken to the Arkansas State Crime lab for an autopsy.

The Helena-West Helena School District Administration said on its website: "Our hearts ache for the tragic loss of our beloved 12th-grade student at Central High School, and our deepest sympathies extend to his grieving family, classmates, friends, and our entire school community impacted by this senseless act of violence."

The district's crisis team will be at the school Monday morning to provide immediate counseling, the administration said.

"Together, may we honor his memory and work towards healing the wounds inflicted by this tragedy," the statement said.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

5 Maryland high school students shot at park during senior skip day event: Police

Five high schoolers were injured after shots were fired at a Maryland park on Friday during a senior skip day event, Greenbelt Police Department said.

Around 2:30 p.m. the Greenbelt Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department and Maryland State Police responded to report that Schrom Hill Park was overcrowded. When the police arrived, several shots were fired, and the crowd fled the scene, including the suspect. The police believe that between eight to ten gunshots were fired, police said.

“At that moment when shots were fired all of those individuals that were in the park began to flee out on the Hanover Parkway,” Greenbelt Police Department Chief Richard Bowers said during the press conference. “When they did that, we believe that the suspect left with them, and fled the park.”

The police started to provide medical attention to those who were injured. One person is in critical condition and the other four are stable, Bowers said.

The students who were injured range in age from 16 to 18-years-old.

“This is a horrible, tragic, senseless act that happened today. There is absolutely no reason that this occurred,” Bowers said. “We have to do something to stop it. These were kids on senior skip day who were looking to have a good time at a local park and to have something like this occur - it’s maddening honestly.”

Bowers described the suspect only as a male during the press conference.  

USA TODAY contacted the Greenbelt Police Department for more information on the suspect and the student in critical condition. The police department did not respond at the time of publication.

Teen charged: Family of student charged in beating death of Arizona teen Preston Lord accused of 'cover-up'

Hundreds of students came out to park for senior skip day event

Around 600 high school students attended the senior skip day at Schrom Hill Park, police said.

During the press conference, Bowers said that the park is not that big. To have that amount of people in one area was a red flag.

Anyone with information regarding the Schrom Hill Park shooting is urged to call Greenbelt Police at 301-474-7200 or email [email protected] .

Maryland teen arrested, charged with planning school shooting

The senior skip day shooting came just days after a Rockville, Maryland teen, Alex Ye, was charged with threats of mass violence after a 129-page manifesto was found detailing plans to commit a school shooting .

In the document, the Wootton High School student strategized and laid out how the school shooting would happen. In a joint investigation the  Montgomery County Police Department  and the FBI Baltimore Field Office found internet searches, drawings and documents that showed threats of mass violence towards Wootton High School and a local elementary school, police said.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at  [email protected] . Follow her on  Instagram ,  Threads  and  X @forbesfineest.

'Senior Assassin' game raises concerns in this Montgomery County town. What you need to know

Police in one Montgomery County town are warning that a popular teen game involving water guns is raising safety concern in the community.

Recently after the Lower Moreland Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls involving alleged armed people, the department learned that the individuals were high school seniors participating in a game called “Senior Assassin.” 

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The game is popular on social media and it basically involves teens stalking and shooting each other with water guns in an attempt to be the last senior standing, according to a department press release.

But the competition has gained infamy over concerns that some water guns resemble real firearms and that some teens are taking dangerous risks.

Earlier in April a teen in a Chicago suburb participating in the game was involved in a rollover accident when one driver lost control of her car while being chased by another participant.

In another suburban community students entered a restaurant wearing ski masks and holding water guns that looked like firearms targeting other players. An adult who was a concealed carry holder was among the patrons, according to media reports. 

Lower Moreland police are discouraging students from participating in the game, but those that do should follow safety guidance, the release said.  

Those tips include not carrying water guns that could be mistaken for a firearm; avoid playing after dark, do not wear masks to hide identity, and don't trespass on property and if police respond do not run or hide, instead cooperate with the investigation.

“While we understand this is a game to the participants, its purpose is not known to the general public and could cause alarm.” 

Arkansas teen held on murder charge after fatal shooting outside party after high school prom

HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. — An Arkansas teen is in custody on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the fatal shooting of a high school senior outside a party early Sunday following a high school prom.

Donterious Stephens, 19, of Helena, turned himself in to authorities Sunday afternoon in the shooting death of Lorenzo Harrison III, 18, an Arkansas State Police spokeswoman said

Harrison, a senior at Helena-West Helena’s Central High School, was shot and killed at an off-campus party following the school’s prom. Helena-West Helena is located about 52 miles (85 kilometers) southwest of Memphis, Tennessee, along the Mississippi River.

Stephens was being held at the Phillips County jail Sunday, according to an inmate roster. It was not clear Sunday afternoon if he had an attorney representing him, or when he would first appear in court. Stephens was a previous graduate of the school, State Police said.

The party was attended by other students, but police did not say how many people were there. No one else was injured in the shooting.