July and August are two of the most important months in the college admissions process. While many students think summer is a time to relax, the families who use these months wisely often begin senior year with far less stress and a significant advantage in the admissions process.

As the school year approaches, time becomes much more limited as classes, athletics, clubs, and other extracurricular activities begin to fill your schedule. That’s why July and August are the ideal months to make meaningful progress on your college admissions journey. NOW is the time to focus on these top 5 priorities for High School Juniors and Seniors:

High School Juniors

1. Develop (if you have not already) your initial college list. Ensure there is a good mix of safety, target, reach, and aspirational schools that that align with your academic interests, career goals, campus culture, location, and financial expectations.
2. If you haven’t already, now is the time to create your SAT/ACT testing plan. Consider taking your first exam early in the fall and leave yourself enough time for a second attempt if needed. Practice tests are one of the best ways to build confidence before test day.
3. Visit a few colleges before the summer is out to get your feet wet. I recommend visiting a local large state university, private college, and small college if possible. This will help you confirm your list and also test those things that you think you may like about a college campus or experience. Even if your dream school is across the country, visiting a few nearby campuses can help you identify the environment where you’ll thrive.
4. Update your résumé and activities list with everything you’ve accomplished this summer. Whether you held a job, attended a camp, volunteered, completed research, or assumed a leadership role, now is the perfect time to document those experiences while they’re still fresh.
5. Connect with recent graduates from your high school who are home for the summer. Their firsthand perspective can provide valuable insights into academics, campus life, housing, internships, and what they wish they had known before choosing a college.

High School Seniors

1. Narrow and finalize your college list. By early August, you should finalize a focused list of approximately 10-15 colleges. Which will you consider for Early Decision or Early Action? You should be planning your application timeline before the school year starts.
2. Confirm your teacher recommendations. Ideally, you’ve already asked your teachers for letters of recommendation. Use the end of summer to follow up, thank them, and confirm they have everything they need before application season begins.
3. Register and start filling out the Common App. August is a great time to become familiar with the Common App website by creating an account and starting to complete your initial application information like personal and family data and your activities list. A great resource with videos you can watch can be found here. Completing the demographic and activities sections now saves valuable time later when deadlines begin piling up.
4. Put the finishing touches on your Common App Essay. When the month of September comes, the last thing you want to be focused on is another draft of your common app essay. This should be completed for the most part before you go back to school. This leaves time during the application process for supplemental essays and other essential application activities.
5. One final test? If you feel your SAT or ACT score needs a boost and to improve your superscore, sign up for an early Fall or late summer test so that the scores will be available by the time you submit your common application. The SAT late summer/Early Fall dates are August 22, September 12th, and October 3rd, while the ACT offers tests on September 19th and October 17th. Scores will then be available by late October.

If reading this list leaves you feeling behind, you’re not alone. Every year I work with families who aren’t sure where to begin or simply want reassurance that they’re on the right track. Whether you’re just starting your college search or putting the finishing touches on your applications, I’d be happy to help you build a plan that reduces stress and keeps you on track.

Feel free to contact me by email at [email protected] or schedule some time to discuss here.

You got this!!!