It’s about that time of the year again; dress shopping, tuxedo rentals, group planning and the cliche, but memorable, “promposal.” For those seniors who have been waiting and anticipating the arrival of this dance for four years now, it’s finally just around the corner. For this group of senior first-time attendees, it can be a night to remember. However, for seniors who attended prom their junior year, or juniors who aren’t sure if it’s a good idea to go to the first opportunity they get, going to prom may not be the right move.

Let’s take a look at the positives for prom. Not only does going with that special someone make for a memorable night, there are also the hundreds of photos you and all your closest friends will take that will last a lifetime. On top of that, it’s not every night you get to go out to a fancy restaurant all dressed up and eat great food with good people. For those of you who are finally upperclassmen and finally getting your turn to go to prom, it’s new and exciting and you should definitely consider going once before you graduate. I’ll say that again – once before you graduate.

However, the cost of prom tickets are 65 dollars and the additional cost of an outfit, dinner, and the money you have to put up to be in a group limo (if you chose), you’ll be spending between 200 and 300 dollars for an event that, while fun, does not live up to what it is made out to be in the movies. As a senior who went to prom my junior year, I advise those of you who are patiently awaiting your opportunity, to wait just a little longer. Attending prom for the first time is fun, so make it your senior year. I wish I had waited.

Senior year is your time and nothing says “this is our moment” more than feeling and looking like royalty with classmates for what may be the very last time. Going a second time — you know what to expect and, in my opinion and hopefully now yours too, just isn’t worth it.