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Top College Planning Tasks for Rising Seniors in Summer

  • Writer: Harpal Kochar
    Harpal Kochar
  • Jun 26
  • 2 min read

The summer before senior year is a crucial window for college-bound students to get ahead on the admissions process. Here are the most essential college planning tasks rising seniors should prioritize:


Key Steps

 

1. Organize College List 

  • Create a list of colleges you plan to apply to, including at least:

    • Reach schools (ambitious choices)

    • Super Reach schools (highly aspirational)

  • Review your list with a counselor or teacher to ensure it's realistic.

 

2. Define Application Plans

  • Determine your early action and early decision plans:

    • Identify the schools to which you will apply early.

    • Familiarize yourself with the deadlines and plan backwards.

 

3. Brainstorm Essay Ideas 

  • Avoid starting with the personal essay for the Common App.

  • Write vignettes or stories from your life that showcase your personal growth and self-awareness.

 

4. Visit Colleges Virtually

  • Taking virtual tours of schools

  • Ask alumni students about their memorable experiences

  • Research engaging professors at the target schools, email them your profile, and tell them what you look forward to learning from them, should you get accepted.

 

5. Prepare for Standardized Tests 

  • Aim for a score of 1500 for the SAT or 34 for the ACT.

  • If you do not meet these scores, consider not submitting them.


6. Compile Activities List 

  • Write 300-500 characters for each activity.

  • Focus on quantitative details (duration, impact) and personal reflections.


7. Request Recommendation Letters

  • Send a request email.

  • Offer to provide a brag sheet with details about your accomplishments in their class.


8. Research Scholarships

  • Check local scholarships from your school or community organizations.

  • Explore merit and financial aid options from colleges.


9. Discuss Financial Planning

  • Have a conversation with your parents about:

    • The financial costs of college.

    • Contributions from your family and your plans for scholarships or loans.

 

10. Reflect on Summer Activities 

  • Consider how your summer activities can enhance your application:

  • Focus on building a story that reflects on past experiences that led you to enroll, and where you will be going next with the acquired knowledge.


Cautionary Notes

  • Ensure that you do not overshoot your college list; quality is more important than quantity.

  • Be mindful of deadlines for applications and standardized tests to avoid last-minute stress.

Tips for Efficiency

  • Set specific deadlines for each task to stay on track throughout the summer.

  • Regularly check in with your counselor or teacher for guidance and feedback on your progress.

  • Keep all your documents organized in one place for easy access.


By tackling these tasks over the summer, rising seniors can enter the fall application season organized, confident, and ahead of the curve

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