College Application Summer Checklist

College Application Summer Checklist

There is a reason they call it the application process.Submitting successful applications takes time and planning; nothing happens overnight, but you can make each day count. Now that summer is here, it’s time to think clearly about how your process will take shape.One of the silver linings to the disruptions we’re all experiencing in our routine is the added time to harness skills or work on projects. For rising seniors, your college applications should be at the top of your list of priority work. And by working diligently, you can make tremendous progress and still have time to pursue other interests.Below is a checklist of benchmarks you’ll want to hit before the summer is over. Set yourself up for success in this process by making sure you’re allocating time now to move forward on all these fronts.

Your college list is complete.

The sooner you know which schools you’re applying to the easier it will be to map out your strategy for writing supplements, scheduling interviews, or applying early. By summer’s end you should have a strong sense of the colleges on your list and, more importantly, why they’re there.

You’ve got a solid draft of your personal statement complete.

Writing is rewriting. Your personal statement will not be done in one draft, but by the end of summer it should have a definite shape and direction to it. Even if it isn’t finished, you want to have dedicated significant time to crafting this story and making sure your voice is as strong as it can be.

You’ve begun your supplements for your early decision school.

If you’re applying ED, time is even more of the essence to get your application where it needs to be. The supplements at some schools – places like Harvard and the University of Chicago come to mind, but they are not unique in this regard – require even more work than the personal statement; you will want to start these early enough to allow them to develop at the same high level as your main essay. Often these supplements are the difference between positive and negative results in the application process.

You’ve secured your letters of recommendation.

If you haven’t already, think about which teachers you feel could write strong letters of recommendation on your behalf. Email them and confirm, then follow up with a note of gratitude that also provides some specific talking points to anchor their letter. If you’re stuck about whom your recommenders should be, consider consulting an admissions expert. Personal, specific, evidence-rich letters of rec can be a major deciding factor between otherwise qualified applicants.

Your testing plan is solidified.

Clearly, testing is more up in the air this year. If you’re able to test, you’ll want to be prepared for the summer and fall options offered by the ACT and College Board. It’s safe to say that colleges will be using whatever data is available to them to try to make decisions most in line with their standard practice even while being sensitive to students’ situations.

You’ve begun building a rapport with admissions offices at schools you like.

Just because you can’t step foot on campus doesn’t mean you can’t get to the know the school or its representatives. Make a point to introduce yourself to the admissions officer responsible for your region of the world by asking thoughtful questions and sharing some information about yourself and your aspirations. You’ll want to have a point of contact in the fall as your questions get even more specific; and it’s always to your advantage for the admissions officer to have some prior positive experience interacting with you before he or she heads into their committee.

You’ve had a meaningful summer outside of applications.

You will want to begin the school year refreshed and rejuvenated. Taking some time for yourself is important to your mental health and your application process. Before the fall ends, it will likely feel that you’re running on fumes. Avoid burnout by recharging your battery. Unplug from your screens for a while. Remove stressors and the pressure to be busy for a time. Enjoy nature. By allowing yourself this space, you create room to produce quality work. And if you can look back at the end of summer with this checklist complete, you’ll be in a great position for success in your college process.The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.Ready to get started? Schedule a complimentary 20-minute conversation today!Want to stay informed? Subscribe to our newsletter.See what others are saying about us