Tips for Rising Seniors
Get a Jump on Your College Search
By Robin Haas, M.A.Ed.
Believe it or not, school begins again in about one month. Nevertheless, there is still time for rising seniors to get a jump on their college search before life gets hectic with new classes, practices, meetings, and of course, your social life. This edition of College 101 provides rising seniors with some helpful hints and tips to get the ball rolling.
Once class gets started late summer, students are typically very busy. Now is the time to write a generic admission essay. By being proactive and drafting a generic essay that can be revised and edited later to fit individual essays prompts, a rising senior can focus on homework and extracurricular activities at the onset of school. Another smart move is to complete one college admission application that you can use as a basis for the rest of your applications. The Common Application, used by hundreds of institutions, is an excellent choice.
If you have not done so already, politely approach a teacher who taught you during your junior year and knows you well. You can also send said teacher an email, but don’t expect to get a prompt response during the summer. Letters of recommendation can also come from another teacher who has known you for at least a year. Helpful hint (if you happen to be a rising junior) - ask teachers to write a reference letter at the end of your junior year so that their memory of you is crystal clear and they have plenty of time to craft a beautiful recommendation.
Despite the fact that many college campuses are empty throughout the summer months, it is still an excellent time to visit a variety of campuses. If you aren’t able to visit in person, many schools offer virtual visits and information sessions through their websites. You can always return in early fall in order to sit in on a class, view dorm rooms firsthand, eat in the cafeteria, as well as meet with coaches and professors in areas that you might choose as a major.
It is also important to spend time developing a preliminary list of colleges that seem like a good academic, social, and financial fit. If you don’t have access to the Internet, visit a library to gather information, look at college websites for phone numbers and addresses. Then contact schools that interest you to request information. You may discover that some schools provide names of alumni who live in your neighborhood who may be willing to regale you with stories and answer your questions.. Use the information you gather to formulate a list of colleges where you might apply.
Be sure to participate in a variety of activities that reflect what interests you and what you value. It’s never too late to volunteer at a local organization or simply in your own community. Perhaps there is an elderly neighbor who could use some help with grocery shopping, weeding, or caring for a pet. If possible, pursue internships or paid positions that are related to your interests. And, while you're at it, keep a summer journal. In addition to helping you remember what you did over the summer, keeping a journal can help you figure out what you would like to learn about and pursue as a potential career. Your journal will come in handy when it’s time to fill out your applications and you need to remember how you spent your time.
Ideally, rising seniors should have taken SATs or ACTs at least once by now; however, it is definitely not too late. Spend some time over the summer brushing up on practice tests, sign up for a prep course and then take one or both standardized tests in the fall. Whichever test you choose, be sure to sign up as soon as possible because spots fill up fast California. Be prepared to take a road trip if you wait too long to sign up.
Summer is also the perfect time to begin your scholarship search. You can contact the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County for a list of local scholarships and use books and web-based services for other sources of private money. There are many scholarships available. Cast a wide web and hopefully you will get some extra financial help.
No matter how you spend your summer make sure you get lost in a book. According to the Independent Educational Consultants Association, one of the professional organizations I belong to, reading is the best way to improve vocabulary and prepare for standardized tests. As you read, make an effort to look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary or on your phone. Then try those words out on your family and friends.
No matter where you are in your search, it is not too late to begin. Have fun with your research and do your best to keep an open mind.
Robin Haas, M.A.Ed. is the founder of Haas College Connections and can be reached at Robin@HaasCollegeConnections.com. She is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and earned a Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction from UCLA.
