What Rising Seniors Can Do This Summer to Get Ahead in the College Search
It’s officially summer! Which means sunshine, rest, and (for rising seniors) a great opportunity to get a head start on your college journey. Whether you’re still building your college list or already have a few favorites in mind, summer is the perfect time to make meaningful progress without the pressures of the school year.
Here are 10 thoughtful ways to make the most of your summer break and move confidently toward your college goals:
1. Write a Generic Admissions Essay
College essays can be one of the most time-consuming parts of the application process—so why not start now? Try writing a general personal statement over the summer that can be tailored to different prompts later. Having a strong draft ready will take pressure off once senior year begins and give you time to focus on refining it.
2. Complete One College Application
Even if you’re not ready to hit submit, filling out one full application (like the Common App) can help you see what’s ahead. This gives you a solid template and a head start on the others that will follow.
3. Request Recommendation Letters
Most students ask teachers from junior year to write their letters of recommendation—and summer is a great time to make those requests. Teachers may appreciate having extra time to reflect on your work while it’s still fresh in their minds.
4. Visit (or Plan to Visit) College Campuses
While campuses are quieter in the summer, many offer tours and information sessions year-round. Summer visits can work well for families with more flexible schedules. If you can’t visit now, start planning for the fall—and when you do visit, go beyond the tour: eat in the dining hall, peek into a dorm, or meet with someone in your intended major.
5. Create a Preliminary College List
Start gathering info from college websites, request viewbooks, and—if available—connect with current students or alumni. This early research will help you build a list of colleges to explore more deeply in the fall.
6. Do Something Meaningful with Your Time
Summer jobs, internships, volunteer work, or even self-directed projects can all be great additions to your story as an applicant. The goal isn’t to “look impressive,” but to spend your time doing something that reflects your interests and helps you grow.
7. Keep a Summer Journal
Journaling might seem old-school, but it’s a great tool for reflection. Use it to document what you’re doing, how you’re feeling about the college process, or even brainstorm potential essay topics. It’s also a great way to sharpen your writing and observation skills.
8. Make a Testing Plan
Most rising seniors have already taken the SAT or ACT at least once—but if you’re planning to retake, now’s the time to map out your testing calendar. Consider whether subject tests or test prep courses make sense for you, and get signed up before dates fill up in the fall.
9. Start Searching for Scholarships
Yes, it’s early—but many scholarship applications open in the fall, and knowing what’s out there can give you an edge. Start browsing scholarship databases (like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, or Niche) to get a sense of what's available based on your interests, background, or goals.
10. Read!
Seriously—just read. Reading strengthens vocabulary, improves writing, and boosts critical thinking skills. Whether it’s a novel, nonfiction, or articles about something you're passionate about, this is one of the best and simplest ways to prep for college (and life).
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t need to be packed full of stress and planning—but a little focus now can go a long way later. Think of it as laying the foundation for a smoother senior year. Whether you tackle everything on this list or just a few, know that every step you take helps you move closer to finding the right college fit.
And if you’re feeling stuck or not sure where to start? I’m here to help. Let’s make a plan that works for you.
