rising seniors

Check List for Rising Seniors

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Here’s a rising senior’s list of must-do’s for this summer and the first semester of the 2021-22 school year. This list will help students (and their parents!) prepare for college life next year.

Write down deadlines

Each college you apply to will have several different deadlines. Here are a few examples of what should be on your calendar:

  • Deadline for registering for SAT/ACT and submitting scores
  • College application deadlines (note early decision and regular decision deadlines)
  • Scholarship deadlines
  • National College Decision Day: May 1

Study & take the SAT/ACT

While many colleges are waiving standardized test scores due to the pandemic, it’s prudent to study and take the test. In fact, you should register for several test times throughout your senior year to maximize your score. A competitive score will give you greater flexibility in terms of where you can apply. It could also make you stand out among college applicants.

Visit the College Board and ACT websites for updated COVID-19 policies and test days. 

Research, visit, and apply to colleges

Research and apply to five to eight colleges. Your college list should range from the practical—schools that you can get into or are affordable—to “dream colleges” that are more difficult in their admissions. You may want to fill out the Common App—a standard application that is accepted by over 900 institutions—to help streamline the process.

Note that most colleges charge a $40-50 application fee. Oftentimes, you can get this fee waived by simply asking an admissions counselor. You may also be eligible for the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s application fee waiver or the SAT College application fee waiver. Despite the upfront costs, applying to several colleges can save thousands of dollars if one of the institutions offers a generous financial aid package upon admission. Your SAT/ACT scores will likely influence your application list (the higher the scores, the better chance you have of getting a good scholarship offer).  

Prepare yourself to be flexible with college visits due to COVID-19 restrictions. Many colleges  allow campus visits, but others may only offer virtual events. 

Write a resume

Many colleges require you to upload a resume with your application. You should keep the resume clear and concise, including you work experience, volunteer activities, extracurriculars, academic or athletic awards, and GPA. Don’t worry about professional work experience (you’re a student!). Colleges want to gauge your interests, commitments, and leadership ability. You can show colleges that you are a dedicated person by highlighting accomplishments, such as starting a home-based business, making the varsity volleyball team roster, or hitting 200 volunteer hours.

Resumes are important because they can help you stand out among other applicants, especially if you have lower test scores.

Start asking for recommendation letters

This step of the application process can feel awkward, so it’s a good idea to get a head start on deciding who you will ask for a recommendation letter.

  • Keep in mind that colleges might specify preferred recommendations. Appropriate academic references might include teachers, internship supervisors, or tutors. Character references might come from a coach, mentor, or pastor.
  • Give your references enough time (at least 3-4 weeks) to complete and send the letter. Many scholarship committees will not accept late recommendation letters.  

Research and apply for scholarships

There are two main types of scholarships:

  • Institutional scholarships are offered by the specific college you are applying to and can only be used at that school. You can find these scholarships on the financial aid page of college websites.
  • External scholarships are offered by 3rd party non-profits, scholarship funds, and other organizations and can usually be used at any college. These can be found on scholarship search websites, such as Scholarships 360, UNIGO, and Niche.

Determine your eligibility for financial aid

In addition to scholarships awarded based on academic, athletic, or other performance, you may be eligible for need-based financial support. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form, for federal aid. Many colleges also offer non-federal financial aid and may ask you to fill out the College Board’s CSS Profile financial aid form.

Budget time for college admissions essays

Most colleges require an essay, or several writing examples, from applicants. Applying for merit-based scholarships will usually require even more essays. Save your essays and short answers in a Word document so that you can cross-reference your writing in college applications, if appropriate.

Take courses to fill any gaps

When scheduling classes for this summer or senior year, make sure that you meet the course requirements for selected colleges and major programs. Some programs may require additional foreign language, science, or math classes.

Get a head start with dual enrollment or AP tests

If you have the time in your schedule, you can start earning college credits in high school. Many colleges offer in-person or remote dual enrollment classes to high school students. Some colleges will also count AP courses toward college credit. Earning college credits in high school can save you money and allow you to get required gen-eds out of the way.

Maintain a positive online presence

Approximately one-quarter of admission counselors say that they check their applicants’ social media profiles. Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, make sure that you do not have inappropriate (or illegal, such as underage drinking) photos or comments. Admissions counselors may use the information on your social media to gauge whether you are a good fit for the college’s community.

Stay involved in extracurriculars and volunteer activities

Don’t slack off on your extracurricular and volunteer commitments after submitting your college applications. In college interviews, which occur throughout your senior year, admission counselors will likely ask about your current involvement. Senior year is the time to excel in your work and take on new leadership opportunities.