If you have a rising high school senior, here’s what your child could be doing this summer…working on their college applications. When Labor Day arrives, most seniors will be bogged down with a challenging course load filled with AP and honors classes, sports, clubs, and/or part-time jobs. Once September is here, whether school is virtual or in-person, when will there be time to complete college applications? As your child is writing their college essay at midnight, after completing their homework, how good will that essay be? How many times will you have to remind them to write their essay and ask if they have completed their college applications? Now factor this into the equation…with many colleges remaining test optional for the class of 2022, some colleges will place more weight on essay and application. Is your head spinning yet? Read on to learn how to use this summer to catapult your rising senior ahead of the college application process!
Where do you start and how do you get your teenager on board with this plan? Now is a great time to visit any colleges you have not yet seen either virtually or by doing self guided tours at nearby campuses. If your child has not already done so, have them reach out to two junior year teachers to ask for letters of recommendation. The Common App and Coalition for College essay prompts are available, have your child take a look at them and start brainstorming. Spending an hour one day a week from now until the start of senior year, most students can have a rough draft completed.
On August 1st the 2021-2022 Common Application is officially available. Before then, your future college student can create an account and start to complete information in the Profile, Family, and Activities Sections as well as add the colleges to which they plan to apply under the Colleges Tab. After August 1st, they can begin to complete the supplements for each college and identify any additional essays they may need for colleges on their list. By dedicating a few hours each week to completing college applications and essays, you and your child can have a stress-free senior year!
If you have a rising senior, set aside time each week this summer to work on college application materials. Discover essential tools for completing applications and writing memorable essays at the Tools to Get Ahead: College Application & Essay Webinar on Tuesday, June 15 at 6:30 pm EDT. The first 20 people who register are eligible to receive a 30 minute complimentary consultation to help you and your future college student get started! Register now!
