Checklist for Rising Seniors

Summer is in full swing and if rising Seniors spend a little time getting ready for application season this fall, it will make the whole process much easier. Here is a checklist of things that can be done now:

Narrow Down Your College List

• Discuss your family budget.

• Continue online research! It can be fun!

• Visit schools strategically-you can even make a vacation out of it!

• Talk to current and former students of the colleges that you’re interested in.

Write Your College Essay

• The test-optional policies are making the essay more important than ever.

• Start ASAP. This is not a night-before kind of essay!

• Make sure the topic is YOU-not a sport, injury, or your grandma!

SAT/ACT Prep

• Test optional does not mean test blind. Test scores can still be important to the admissions process.

• Scores are important for competitive majors like nursing, engineering, some business programs and may help you qualify for merit aid (free money!)

• If your scores are competitive for a school, by all means submit them!

Gather Your List of Activities

• What activities, formal or not, have you participated in during high school?

• It’s OK to list hobbies and personal development activities.

• Jobs count-no matter what they are.

• When writing your list, include details about the things you’ve done, skills you’ve developed, awards you’ve won.

Get Out There!

• Consider a part time job, internship, volunteering!

• Schedule informational sessions or interviews!

• Try a new activity, sport, etc.

Start Your Applications

• Most applications become available in August.

• Even if your list isn’t finalized until the fall, the Common App information can be completed ahead of time.

• Start gathering supplemental essays-they are more common since schools have gone test optional .

Make sure you find balance this summer -find time to be productive, but make sure you have time to sit back and relax!