Use Summer for College Preparation
Summer is a great time to get a head start on the college admissions process.
This doesn’t just mean filling out application after application, but pursuing interests you don’t have time to explore during the school year. This could be signing up for a course at a local college in a subject that’s not available at your high school, volunteering at a local non-profit, getting a summer job or shadowing a career field you’re interested in.
Need to take another SAT or ACT? Use this time to prepare! You can purchase a prep guide, take a practice test or see if there are prep classes available.
This is also a great time to research prospective schools and finalize your college list. Look at school websites, their social media, contact current students if you know people who go there, etc.
For sophomores and juniors, it’s a great time to visit schools you may be interested in. The atmosphere of the campus won’t be the same as during the school year, but you can get a feel for the school. You can always return to schools you liked from just a summer visit to sit in on a class or talk to current students.
Summer is also a good time to begin gathering information for your applications. It’s extremely helpful to have all the information regarding your academic honors, extracurriculars, community service, etc. in one place. This can reduce your stress level come fall when you’re facing application deadlines. Now is also the time to get a head start on your college essays.
Every task done now just means one less thing to worry about later. But, that’s not to say you shouldn’t take most of your summer for fun and relaxation! The college admission process is stressful, but it can be made easier with a balance of preparation and enjoying your summer!