1. Finalize Your College List

The number of colleges on your list – and their specific application requirements – will determine how much work you have ahead of you. Therefore, finalizing your college list is an important first step. Over the summer, you might have more free time to deeply research the colleges that interest you. Here are some questions you may want to consider:

• Do the colleges have the qualities that matter most to you and offer the majors and courses that match your interests?
• Are they good financial and academic fits?
• Does your list have a good mix of reach, match, and safety schools?
• Would you be happy to attend each school you apply to if accepted?

You can answer a lot of these questions by visiting the college’s website and by viewing college profiles on CollegeData, which you can access using College Search. If possible, visit as many colleges as you can (either in person or virtually), talk to students, and connect with admissions representatives. For tips on choosing colleges for your final list, see  Narrowing Down Your College List and Looking at Colleges Side by Side.

2. Decide If You’ll Apply Early

Applying early decision is one way to indicate your interest in a college, and at some schools, applying early might increase your chances of admission. Find out which colleges offer early admission options, know what the requirements and restrictions are of applying early, including when the early admission deadline is, and plan accordingly. For more information about early decision and early action programs, and the pros and cons of applying early, see What is Early Admission?

3. Get familiar with Application PlatformS

Some (or perhaps all) of the colleges on your list may subscribe to an application platform, such as the Common Application or Coalition Application, while some large state university systems may have their own application platform. Determine which services are used by the colleges on your list, create an account, and get familiar with them so you are up to speed when it comes time to apply.

4. Work on Your ESSAY(S)

You’ll want to give yourself as much time as possible to craft a thoughtful personal statement and/or essay(s). Summer break, when you are free from the distractions of school, can be an ideal time to start – and even finish – your essay(s).

The Common Application and the Coalition Application, as well as some colleges, publish their essay prompts in the spring or summer prior to senior year. Take advantage of any free time you have over the summer to explore the prompts, brainstorm different approaches, and write first and second drafts. For essay writing tips, see 6 Steps to Start Your College Essay.

5. UPDATE OR Create YOUR College Resume

While most colleges do not require or even request a resume, it can be helpful to create one anyway. The process of creating a resume will force you to review everything you’ve accomplished during high school, which can uncover material for your essays and other parts of your applications. Plus, you might consider preparing a summary of your goals and achievements when applying for scholarships and asking for recommendations. To get started on your college resume, see How to Write Your College Resume.

6. Begin Your Activities List

Most applications, including the Common App and the University of California application, ask about your extracurricular activities. When completing an activities list, it’s important to not simply provide a list of your extracurriculars, but to highlight your leadership and direct contributions, any goals you may have achieved or exceeded, and any awards or honors you earned. Generally, students are not given much space to describe their activities, so every word counts. For help with completing an informative and succinct activities section, see these tips from College Essay Guy.

7. REVIEW EXPECTATIONS AND BUDGET

If you haven’t done so already, have a talk with your parents about how you’ll pay for college. Discuss your family’s college budget, your and your parents’ expectations about who will contribute financially and how. Even if you think your family can fully pay for college, it can be helpful to discuss everyone’s expectations so there are no surprises when it’s time to make your college choice.

Your senior year of high school is an exciting and meaningful time – don't ruin it by spending your fall semester stressed out about applying to college. Start thinking, planning, and organizing over your summer break, which will hopefully help you create strong applications and allow you to enjoy your senior year.