Seven Summer Essentials for Rising Seniors

Wouldn’t you like to start your senior year of high school stress-free?  To organize the countless obligations of the college application process does not have to be ridden with anxiety.  Staying focused and organized and developing a timeline to track everything is essential.  If you need help, the Collegeologist can offer either guidance on a specific task or a comprehensive approach to tackling the entire process. So once junior year is finished, take a little break because you deserve it! Then it’s time to prepare for the seven summer essentials. 
1.      The SAT
2.      The SAT II
3.      The AP Exams

In July, you will receive your test scores from The Collegeboard for the SAT and SAT II tests completed in June.  Will you need to re-take the SAT’s in October or November? Of course summer is time for strategizing and honing your skills.  But how much preparation will be necessary? How will you then plan your study habits effectively? Also, how were your SAT II subject test scores?  Do you need to retake them?  Have you added a college or two to your list that you now know requires you to take a certain subject test? Did you check with the colleges in which you had been interested in junior year to find out their requirements? Will that interfere with any other re-takes? Are you thinking of applying either Early Action or Early Decision to any colleges?  If so, October will be your last opportunity to take the tests. You will also receive the report of your AP exams. What scores do your colleges of interest require?  Consider your scores seriously as you weigh your college choice options. Is it better to go to a college that will apply those scores?  You should also know that not every college awards credit for AP classes taken. Some colleges just use those scores to help with your placement in classes; others will provide credit for them. 

4. The Common Application Essay: Carefully reflect on the content of your essay (or, should I say, essays. Don’t forget the supplements!) Summer is an opportune time for brainstorming. Enjoy some free time to think deeply about who you have been, who you are becoming, and who you imagine yourself to be in the future. Remember that admissions officers are expecting a genuine and well-deliberated response. Keep in mind also that the questions have changed this year and that there is no longer an option for an essay of your choice. So consider well to which question you will respond and judge how you can answer it best. 5. The college list: If you have not already, begin the life-long process of answering the Delphic maxim, γνῶθι σεαυτόν (Know thyself), and judge why some colleges are better than others for you. By applying carelessly, you could in the future regret your choice. To choose a college requires substantial introspection, discussion with parents, friends, and teachers, and visits to campuses.

6. Applying for scholarships:  In order to receive consideration as a recipient of a scholarship, you must submit an application by either fall or early winter deadlines and often write essays. There are many opportunities to receive monetary prizes, of which you should be aware. Furthermore, the Collegeologist has a web-based software tool which compares colleges based on a student’s eligibility for financial aid.  This would allow a close approximation of your family’s real out-of-pocket contribution to each of the schools to which you apply.   

7. Financial aid and expenses: Completion of the FAFSA begins in January. Additionally, colleges often want the CSS profile via Collegeboard, completed by November (then re-adjusted at tax season). And you should know that there are significant fees for Collegeboard testing, for sending all score reports to the colleges, and for submitting applications to the colleges.
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The Collegeologist is an independent college consultation practice specializing in simplifying the college process for students and parents in the Farmington Valley area. Located at 395 West Avon Road in Avon (Across from All Star Driver) 860-673-1500 Call for a complimentary consultation. Office visits, Email & Skype available. Like us on FB and follow us on twitter @thecollegeologist