
Now that the school year is coming to a close it is time to start making your summer plans. Are you a rising senior who is looking to get the most out of their summer? According the the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), here are the top ten things you can do to prepare for your senior year:
1. Write a generic admission essay
Did you know that applying to college can take as much time as a regular class during our senior year? Preparing a generic essay in advance can save you time during the school year so you can focus on your studies and extracurricular activities.
2. Complete one college admission application
This application can serve as the prototype for all other applications. The Common Application is a good place to start as it is accepted by hundreds of colleges. This will allow you to get familiar with the types of questions that are asked on college applications.
3. College reference letters
The last thing you want to do is scramble trying to find somebody to write a recommendation letter for you. It might be best to ask one of your junior year teachers to write a letter for you since they have gotten the time to get to know you as a student. This also gives them time over the summer to write a thoughtful letter.
4. Visit (or plan to visit) campuses
Although summer is not the ideal time to visit campuses because not many students are there, it is the ideal time for students because their schedules are usually a bit more flexible. A visit should include, sitting in on a class, looking at the dorm rooms, eating in the cafeteria, and meeting with coaches and professors in areas of interest.
5. Develop preliminary list of colleges
Start gathering information on colleges you are interested in. Some colleges might even give out names of alumnus in the student’s neighborhood who may be willing to share experiences.
6. Participate in interesting activities
Summer is the perfect time to pursue your interests; whether that is 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 document their activities and determine what they want and need for the next few years. Journaling also helps improve communication skills, which is critical for later success.
8. Plan to take the ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests
Rising seniors should have taken the ACT’s and/or the SAT’s at least once by the fall of the senior year. If you need to take the SAT Subject Tests you will need to decide what subjects you need to take. It is important to look at which test is required at the colleges you are looking to apply to. This is also the time where you would want to consider taking prep classes before attempting the test(s) again.
9. Begin scholarship search
Start looking for scholarships you qualify for. This can be done by using books and/or web-based services - or of course by working with an IEC.
10. READ!
Reading is one of the best ways you can improve your vocabulary and prepare for standardized tests.
If you need help in the steps listed above or would like some guidance on your next steps feel free to reach out.
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