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!
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