Summer Before Senior Year Checklist
The senior year of high school holds so much fun, but also a lot of anxiety as seniors and parents make decisions about plans for the next year.
Using this summer wisely will help eliminate much of the chaos that can occur when all of the deadlines are looming.
Summer Before Senior Year Checklist
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Summer Before Senior Year Checklist Item #1: Register for the alphabet tests.
- Get registered for any of the alphabet tests that your student lacks or wants to retake. (ACT, SAT). Check the websites regularly for the lastest information and possible test dates.
Summer Before Senior Year Checklist Item #2: Narrow down the list of colleges
- Narrow down the list of colleges to which to apply and schedule any visits for the summer or early fall. Use this list of 30 Must Ask College Visit Questions when you talk to the counselor. Get contact information from the counselor for departmental questions. Look online for current students to find answers to other questions. Use the College Preparation Template to record the answers.
Summer Before Senior Year Checklist Item #3: Familiarize yourself with the Common Application
- Familiarize yourself with the Common Application.
Summer Before Senior Year Checklist Item #4: Find applications for schools that do not accept the Common Application
- For schools that do not accept the Common Application, find out what application they do accept. The school website is the best source for this information.
Summer Before Senior Year Checklist Item #5: Begin writing the essay
- Urge your student to begin writing their essay. A teacher at my daughter’s high school offers a summer essay writing workshop. It is great to dedicate several days to writing the essay with the full focus of a teacher. The fall will be busy and having the essay written and/or having a basic rough draft that can be adapted for any application will be a tremendous stress relief. Common app essay prompts
Summer Before Senior Year Checklist Item #6: Contact teachers
- Contact teachers for recommendation letters. The most popular teachers can become overwhelmed with requests and may limit how many they write. Provide these teachers with a resume of high school accomplishments and activities to assist them in writing the letter.
Summer Before Senior Year Checklist Item #7: Do your research
- Spend some time reading college information websites like College Confidential, and How to Win Scholarships.
The next year will be overwhelming and exciting as your student finishes high school and plans for the future. Taking time this summer to prepare for the journey will alleviate stress and lessen the time crunch in the fall.
Download the printable Summer Before Senior Year Checklist to help you check off these tasks this summer. This list is a part of the Planning for College Printable pack.
Prepare, plan, dream, and enjoy this summer with your student.
Looking for a complete planner to guide you through college preparation, college search, college applications, and more?
The Planning for College Planner
The College Preparation Template
Also check out: 10 College Application Tips and College Visit Checklist: 30 Must Ask College Visit Questions
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