What are some ways to help give your college app a last boost in your late junior/early senior year? I feel like I’ve done just about all I can do at this point, but I’m curious if there’s anything in particular I should do in this last stretch before I start my applications soon.
In terms of your GPA and extracurriculars, those are probably set by now (for the most part)- it isn’t a good idea to join new ECs late in junior year for a resume boost.
What are your test scores? You can spend the summer studying & retake in the fall if you want a higher score. Also consider SAT IIs if you’re aiming for top schools.
Have you visited colleges? for ones that care about demonstrated interest, this is important.
I have a 4.3 right now and I plan on taking all AP classes my senior year (and I’ve taken the highest amount possible for the past three years) and I am taking the SAT again in August, but I got a 1450 in January. I am also taking SAT II tests (Math II and Bio) in June, and I might have to retake them in the summer but I’m not planning on it. The thing with visiting the colleges is that, for the ones out of state, it’s way to expensive for my family. I am visiting U of M this summer but that’s about all that’s in my reach @yonceonhismouth
Then you’re on the right track. You can start working on essays this summer so you aren’t swamped when school begins, but everything looks good!
The only boost I can think of is if you do something interesting/worthwhile over this coming summer. Otherwise it sounds like you are on track to have many fine college options.
If you haven’t yet I would also talk to your parents and see what, if any, constraints they have on your college choices (ex. financial thresholds, geographic limits etc.).
Start working on crafting great essays. Consider taking the ACT; some students do better on that test than the SAT.
If you are very low income (you mention visiting colleges out of state is too expensive) then you may want to look into QuestBridge.