Suggestions for high school Juniors to jump-start their college action plan during the summer

May 8, 11:09 AMLA College Bound ExaminerEllen Richards

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Suggestions for high school Juniors to jump-start their college action plan during the summer. As tempting as it might be to goof off and sit in the pool the summer before your Senior year in high school, take these tips to heart and the college application process will be significantly smoother come Senior year!

Tests:

• Before school lets out, sign up to take the PSAT/NMSQT in October
• Get ready for the ACT/SAT during the summer by taking full-length practice tests and getting SAT/ACT tutoring.
• Prepare for SAT Reasoning or SAT Subject Tests if the college you are interested in accepts these test scores. If you plan your tests in advance you can take up to three Subject Tests on the same day.
• Prepare and take AP Exams. Doing well on AP Exams allows you credit or placement at most universities.

Start your college search:

• Make a list of your abilities, hobbies, preferences, and personal qualities and use this list to develop what you may want to study in college
• Read about perspective majors and careers
• Use COLLEGE SEARCH to help find colleges with the features and characteristics you are looking for
• Visit college campuses. Take campus tours and schedule interviews with admissions counselors. It will show that you are serious about attending their school, plus it gives you a jump start on your classmates.

Secure your admission:

• Begin thinking of what you will write about for your admissions essays. 
• Ask teachers, coaches, community leaders, family friends, etc. if they would be able to write letters of recommendation for you - best to ask as soon as possible so they have time to think about what they will write!
• Request applications from colleges to which you are planning to apply. Ensure that you have the dates of acceptance down - some schools have early admissions dates or rolling admissions. 

Prepare for the college experience:

• Ask your parents for more responsibility over the summer, whether it be getting a job, or attending a summer college course, prove that you will be successful at college once you are on your own. 

Stay active during the summer:

• Volunteer or get a job that might help secure your admission into that elite program you have your eyes on - internships are great, even as a high school student!
• Keep your mind active. Do some summer reading to catch up on required reading. 

Start thinking about Financial Aid and how to pay for college:

• Consult with your parents to determine the amount of financial aid that you will need to apply for.
• Base your college search on schools that fit your budget
• Begin compiling a list of scholarships to apply for, as well as beginning writing scholarship letters and essays.