Advice From Inside: What Rising Seniors Can Do Over the Summer

As part of our Advice From Inside series, where I ask our amazing staff of college counselors and former college admission counselors to share their knowledge with student and parents, this time I asked…

“What can rising seniors do over the summer to make their fall less stressful?”

Here are their responses:

• “Complete their common app essay and two supplemental essays.”
• “Sign up for fall standardized testing, if needed.”
• “Visit a few campuses to round out the list, preferably in late August when the students have returned.”
• “Complete the Common Application, Coalition Application and/or any school-specific applications.”
• “Finalize their college list and determine which application deadlines they will apply for.  Then chart out due dates for recommendation requests, test score submission, application completion, and put it all onto one comprehensive calendar.”
• “Finish any remaining college visits and be sure to interview at every school that offers interviews before applying.  It’s difficult to juggle campus visits and interviews once school is back in session!”
• “Accomplish as much as possible on the college search and application process, but make sure to take some time for true R&R.  It’s important to unwind, relax, and just decompress before the busy schedule of senior year.”
• “Complete all summer reading/work with time to spare so there’s a break between the summer work and the start of the school year.”
• “Create or update their activity resume.​”

The message is clear: the more application work students can start and complete during the summer, the better.  Ask any current/ former senior for advice about the college application process and I guarantee they will say, “start your application work early.”

To make it manageable, and still have time for fun and relaxation, spend about an hour a week on your college applications and essays and have them done before you start senior year.

Campus Bound Counselors are available all summer long! If you want to get a start on applications and essays but need some help, call us!