The mortarboard tassels are already hanging from the car rearview mirrors, and the end-of-the-year party pictures are posted on Facebook. School may be out, but the summer is a great time to get a head start on thinking about college.
Here are suggestions on how to make the most of this summer:
July
Rising freshmen and sophomores: Read. Make it a point to read one article or section of the newspaper every day. Write letters and keep a journal. Strong reading and writing skills will serve you in the classroom, on standardized tests and in everyday life.
Rising juniors: Borrow or purchase a college guide book and begin researching colleges. Take a college assessment test online (www.collegeboard.com) and try to figure out your likes and dislikes as far as distance from home, size of school and urban, suburban or rural environment.
Rising seniors: Prepare your Brag Sheet/Resume. List any leadership positions and be sure to include your extracurricular activities; community service; honors, scholarships and awards; summer experiences; internships/job shadowing and employment. You’ll need this for your college applications.
Soon-to-be college freshmen: Get in touch with the financial aid office at your school if there has been any change in your financial status such as a job loss or a major illness. Changes such as these could influence the amount of need-based or merit-based aid you receive. Print a packing list of what you’ll bring to college and make a list of items you’ll need to buy before you head and the ones that can wait until you’re on campus.
August
Rising freshmen and sophomores: Do any assigned summer reading for school. Enjoy your summer!
Rising juniors: Plan two campus visits – one small college and one larger university – that are either close to home or near a place you’re vacationing. Sit in on the information sessions and take the formal campus tour. Grab the college literature. Start a college file.
Rising seniors: Finalize your college list. While there is no magic number, counselors recommend applying to two or three reach, two or three target and one or two safety schools. Try to visit all of your target schools and as many reach and safety schools as possible. Take colleges off your list if they don’t meet your criteria. Edit your Brag Sheet. Set up admissions interviews, where possible. Do mock interview sessions with your parents to prepare the real thing.
Soon-to-be college freshmen: Make sure someone in your family is in charge of paying the tuition and room and board bills. Talk with your roommate. Get organized about what you’re taking and what makes sense to leave behind. Spend time thinking about what’s in store for you in just a few short weeks. Spend time with your friends. Spend time with your siblings. Spend time with your parents. Give them an extra hug.
www.collegeadmissionsstrategies.com
Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/06/29/1531662/how-students-should-spend-the.html#ixzz0sG7v1klY
