The sun is shining, the grass is green, and the sky is clear. All of these signs indicate that summer, and most importantly summer vacation, is quickly approaching. For most of us, summer vacation means a road trip with friends, a family vacation, and some well-earned down time from the rigors of the school year.
However, for high school students, it’s always time to think about the next stage in our lives: college. And the summer is a vital time for college prep. It provides time for you to build your résumé, visit schools, and prepare for standardized tests. However, the amount of preparation you should do is dependent on your grade level. Below, you can find a guide to summer college preparation by grade.
For Rising Freshmen:
In all honesty, rising freshmen needn’t worry about college prep. You should be preparing for the new experience of high school. However, freshmen should remember that extra-curricular activities are very important to colleges. When you first begin the school year, try to learn more about the different clubs and organizations at your new school. Then, go around to all the different meetings and decide where you might fit in. Getting involved early makes it easier to find a group that fits your interests.
For Rising Sophomores:
Rising sophomores should concentrate on building their résumés. Get involved this summer by doing an internship, finding volunteer work, or taking an enrichment class. When you come back to school, concentrate on clubs that you’re most interested in. By focusing in on just a few activities, you have a better chance to attain a leadership position. During sophomore year, you can also begin to look at colleges. Over the summer, you might want to get a general idea of all the different types of schools out there by checking out a college guide (like one from Fiske or Princeton Review) from your local library.
For Rising Juniors:
Aside from rising seniors, juniors have the most work when it comes to college prep. Junior year is the time to take those dreaded standardized tests. However if you prepare early over the summer, the test becomes much less intimidating. Check out SAT/ACT books from your local library or get them from a bookstore. Junior year is also the time to conduct your college visits. Make a list of the schools that most appeal to you and plan to visit them over spring break or the following summer before senior year. Finally, junior year is another opportunity to build your résumé. Begin to look for substantive summer activities, like an internship or job.
For Rising Seniors:
For rising seniors, this summer will be extremely important for your college prep. The summer allows you time to finalize a list of schools to which you plan on applying. You can go on college visits as well. In addition, you can check out the applications of many different schools as well as the common application during the summer. You can look at the short answer and essay questions and begin to brainstorm answers. The summer is also a time for standardized test preparation if you plan on taking the SAT/ACT again during the fall. Remember that some schools also require SAT subject tests.
Whether you’re visiting schools or taking an SAT prep course, the three months that constitute summer vacation can provide you invaluable time to prepare for college. However, you should also remember that summer is a time for relaxation. College prep is important, but having some free time during the summer is also essential. Try to strike up a healthy balance and you will no doubt be able to have fun while you prepare for college.
