The summer is a great time to start preparing for the college admissions process little by little. By breaking up the process into smaller steps, it can be much more manageable in the fall.
Here, I share three tips for steps you can take the summer before your senior year to begin preparing for the college admissions process.
1. Begin researching schools
The first step in the college admissions process is knowing what schools to apply to. Consider spending some time researching schools this summer. It’s important to research a mix of reach, match, and safety schools to have a wide range of options. One of the best ways to learn about a school and gauge if it might be a good fit is by reading through student-run blogs, magazines, and newspapers, browsing through a school’s social media page, and reaching out to current students for a chat. Student organizations often provide contact information for current students on their websites, and reaching out to alumni from your high school who attend your prospective colleges might also be an option. If you have specific questions which you can’t seem to find the answer to on the school’s website, don’t hesitate to contact the admissions office. While researching different colleges, be sure to look into the school’s academic programs, extracurricular activities, advising options, job search support, and general student life information, such as housing and health & wellness support. It’s also important to look into different application options, such as early decision and early action if those might be of interest to you, and to make note of any special deadlines.
2. Brainstorm personal statement ideas
The best personal statements are typically the result of thoughtful self-reflection and introspection. The summer is a perfect time to start laying the groundwork for an excellent personal statement. One of my favorite writing exercises is to spend 15-20 minutes each day free writing about anything that comes to mind about yourself, whether that’s a life-changing experience, a dream you have for yourself, a simple like or dislike. After doing this each day over several weeks, you will have various short prompts about yourself. You can then start reading through all the different prompts and seeing if there are certain themes or ideas that keep popping out and making a list of those for potential personal statement draft ideas. If free writing feels dauting, using a list of prompts to get ideas flowing is also a great option. Remember – the goal is to engage in self-reflection to better understand yourself.
3. Create a brag sheet
This summer is the perfect time to start getting organized for the college admissions process. One of the best ways to do that is to spend some time creating a “brag sheet.” This is a comprehensive document that lists all of the information you will need when filling out applications, putting together your resume, applying for scholarships, and contacting recommendation letter writers. A brag sheet is longer and more detailed than a resume. It lists any awards and achievements you would like to highlight, extracurricular activity involvement, sports, and any volunteering or community engagement activities. When sharing your brag sheet with recommendation letter writers, highlight any specific experiences or accomplishments you'd like them to emphasize in their letters. Having all of this information in one place will streamline the college application process in the fall.
Summer presents an excellent opportunity to lay the groundwork for the college admissions process. By following these three tips and gradually working through them, you'll be well-prepared when applications open in the fall!
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