6 Things to Do the Summer Before Senior Year
It’s the summer before your senior year! While this is a super exciting time in your life, it’s still a good idea to look ahead to life after graduation. This will help remove some of the anxiety that comes with preparing for college during the excitement and business of your senior year.
1) Figure out your ideal college
Narrow down what you would like in your ideal college experience. Do you want somewhere
close to home or out of state? Do you want to participate in athletics or intramurals? What major do you want to pursue? How big of a school
would you like to attend? Knowing what you like ahead of time helps make the decision process that much easier.
2) Visit colleges
Summer is a great time to visit all the colleges you’re interested in. If the college is super far away, look into taking a virtual visit. As you’re there, make a list of how well it matches your ideal college and compare it with other
colleges you have visited. While campus might seem really quiet without students, use this time to narrow down your college list and then visit your top schools again
in the fall to get the full campus vibe.
3) Draft college essays
Many schools require an essay as part of the application process. The summer before your senior year is a good time to start thinking about what you’re going to write. These can often be about a wide range of topics about personal growth, challenges, and identity. Start brainstorming now and drafting your essay so you don’t have to worry about it when you apply.
4) Outline your extracurriculars
On your application, colleges will ask for your extracurricular activities, including any sports, clubs, or church and community involvement during high school, and any awards or recognitions you’ve received. Start compiling these into a list. If you are worried that your list is too small,
now is the time to add to it! Search out volunteer opportunities in your community or even shadow a profession that
interests you.
5) Research scholarships
Some scholarships set their application deadlines in early fall. Don’t miss out on “free” money by missing deadlines! Research and apply for scholarship and grant opportunities now before your life gets
crazy busy in the fall. The earlier you start, the more scholarships you are likely
to find and have time to apply.
6) Have fun!
This is your summer! Don’t let the college search overwhelm you. Intentionally set aside time for rest, relaxation, and making memories. But also know that the more you work ahead now, the less crazy your life will be once your senior year really starts.
At Bluffton University…
Personal campus visits, which are tailored to your individual interests, may be scheduled Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Register for your visit today. Applications are accepted from new seniors beginning June 15.