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Top 10 Things Rising Seniors Can Do This Summer
Getting a jumpstart on college applications is a summer priority!
Top 10 Things Rising Seniors Can Do This Summer
1. Complete your Common Application
The Common Application is accepted by hundreds of colleges and is a great place to start. If you know you’ll be applying to colleges that do not accept the Common App, such as the University of California system schools, you can work on them as well, using the Common App as a prototype.
2. Write your Common Application personal essay
Applying for college can take up as much time as a regular class during the senior year. By preparing a personal essay in advance that can be tailored to different applications, students can spend more time on studies and extra-curricular activities once school begins.
3. Request recommendation letters
Normally recommendation letters come from junior year teachers who have taught the student in full-year classes. Teachers usually appreciate having the extra time over the summer to write a recommendation when the memory of the student’s achievements is fresh.
4. Visit (or plan to visit) campuses
While summer is not the ideal time to visit campuses because there aren’t many students there, this is the time high school students are free and parents’ schedules are usually more flexible. These visits can also be made in the early fall and should include sitting in on a class, looking at dorm rooms, eating in the cafeteria, and meeting with coaches and professors in areas of interest.
5. Develop preliminary list of colleges
Review college websites, the Fiske Guide, student review sites like Niche.com, and other sources of information you’ve found helpful so far. Create a list of colleges to consider. The goal is a balanced list that includes good-fit target schools along with some reaches and ‘likelies.’
6. Participate in meaningful activities
Summer is a time to act on interests through internships, volunteer work, clubs, or paid positions. Try something productive and creative, preferably in an area of interest.
7. Keep a summer journal
A journal can help students chronicle their activities as well as determine what they want and need for the next few years. Journals also serve to help improve communication skills, critical for later success.
8. Plan to take a final SAT or ACT if needed
Rising seniors should have taken SATs and ACTs at least once by this point but may want to take a final test in the summer or fall. Sign up early to ensure you get a seat at a nearby location. Students should establish a practice preparation plan at least a month or two before the exam date. Remember to stick to your plan!
9. Begin scholarship search
Use web-based services to begin a search for private scholarships. Fastweb.com is one free search platform that provides access to a consolidated database of available scholarships. (Remember to consider college merit money, too.)
10. READ!
IECA experts point to reading as the best way to improve vocabulary and prepare for standardized tests. While reading, have a dictionary handy to look up unfamiliar words.
From a survey of members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association
Marla Platt, M.B.A. is an independent college consultant based in Sudbury, MA through AchieveCoach College Consulting, providing expert and personalized guidance to students and families throughout the college planning, search and admissions process. Marla is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and can be reached via www.achievecoach.com
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