Summer is a great time to get a jump on your college search, particularly if you are involved in sports, band, have a job and volunteer. I have seen so many students over the years miss out on scholarship opportunities because of their busy schedules. Following these tips over the summer will help you become college ready.
1. Research at least 5 colleges.
Look for the best academic, financial and social fit for your circumstance. Be honest about what you bring to the table academically. Research institutional merit-based scholarships to determine eligibility. Keep a calendar of merit and need-based scholarship deadlines. Be intentional about finding the best ACT/SAT match. Find colleges that match your academic credentials. The list should include in-state, out-of-state, public and private institutions. Categorize your list according to Reach (highly selective or academic stretch), Match/Target (aligned with GPA/test scores), and Safety (above the profile and financially affordable).
2. Visit out-of-state colleges on your list.
Connecting college visits to summer travel is a great way to determine if the college is the right fit for you. Once the school year begins it may be difficult to make out-of-state trips. If you are unable to visit, view the school’s virtual tour, follow their social media pages and contact the admissions office with any questions you may have.
3. Prepare a personal/goals statement and work on your college essays.
Why wait until the fall to start working on your essays? Senior year is busy. The more you can get done ahead of time, the better. The Common App, Coalition App and Common Black App go live August 1st every year.
4. Begin your scholarship search.
You should register on at least 3 scholarship search engines. I recommend Fastweb, Scholarships.com, Scholarships360 and Appily.
5. Complete Your High School Resume
Colleges and scholarship organizations will be asking for a listing of your awards, honors, extracurricular activities and accomplishments from freshman year to your junior year. Drafting your resume ahead of time will definitely speed up the application process. You should also begin thinking about teachers from your junior year who would be good candidates for writing you a letter of recommendation.
6. The Financial Talk
Have an honest conversation with your parents about college affordability, what they can contribute and their expectations regarding your role in researching scholarships. You should not apply to a school you cannot afford.
Remember, it’s the early bird catches the worm. 