<p>Hey guys, I just recently finished my Junior year of high school. I want to get a head start on college applications this summer, but I'm not sure exactly what I should be working on right now. I think I have a good list of colleges that I am interested in applying to. So, how exactly can I get started on this process during the summer? Thanks!</p>
<p>Essays. </p>
<p>Don’t start filling out the Common App online until they explicitly say that the 2012-13 app is up, but DO look at the CA essay prompts. If you are applying to schools that have supplemental essays (or that don’t use the CA at all), look at those, as well. Look back a couple of years to see if they are the type of prompts that change year to year, or if they’re going to be the same for this year.</p>
<p>If you can get your essays in good shape before the start of senior year, you’ll be ahead of the game.</p>
<p>You can also gather together all the info you’ll need for the Common App.</p>
<p>Have you reviewed your list with your family and your GC?</p>
<p>Run Net price calculators and have a serious money discussion with your family. Prepare short essay prompts or outlines, especially those prompts from CA. At least one will be the same year after year. Get LORs lined up from teachers, community leaders, etc. DS applied for a lot of merit aid, and each of them needed additional letters, so asking coaches, troop leaders, volunteer coordinators nw is a good idea, and ask a couple fo the teachers to also put in a paragraph about an EC or leadership activity. Create a brag sheet/summary sheet with your accomplishments for the LORs and scholarship apps. </p>
<p>Create a spreadsheet with requirements, especially dates for scholarship consideration. For instance, many public schools have very early app deadlines for competitive schools and programs. Also, determine if it is right to apply EA or ED to any schools.</p>
<p>I second essays. As a rising senior, I’m pretty sure we’ll both be glad come next year! Scholarships, too.</p>
<p>The big thing you want to focus on is essays. I wrote mine in August (it took me 6 drafts and 3 topics to finally get to one that I liked) and I’m so glad that I got it out of the way early, especially because supplemental essays took up so much time in the fall (so get a head start on those too if you get the time). I think the most important things to do are writing your essay and finalizing your college list, but if you have time you should consider starting supplemental essays as well. Get as much done as you can over the summer so that you don’t get too overwhelmed during your senior fall. </p>
<p>Also, in response to exuberantpeace’s suggestion, definitely start looking into outside scholarships if you’ll be applying for financial aid. Your main focus should be on application essays, but my counselor told me not to worry about scholarships until I was done with my applications, but when I started looking in December, many deadlines had already passed, so that’s something you should look into early on if you have the time for it.</p>
<p>Some of this I just sent in a reply to another post:</p>
<p>This summer, before things get too busy, start a spreadsheet with schools you are considering applying to. Put down their application deadlines, what standardized tests they require or recommend, if they use the common application or their own application, the application fee, etc. If you are applying for financial aid, look up the requirements/deadlines for that - FAFSA only, or both FAFSA and CSS Profile, when tax returns are due. Is there a separate deadline/application process for merit scholarships?</p>
<p>You can also include other information that might be helpful on the spreadsheet - how the school handles AP scores, what their degree requirements/mandatory general education requirements are.</p>
<p>If you decide to apply early decision anywhere, the deadlines for the application and to have all testing completed will be earlier. If you are not done with standardized tests, look at the schedules for both the SAT and the ACT to determine what test dates are possibilities.</p>
<p>A preview of the 2012-2013 Common Application is available. Work on some essays/essay ideas. Along with supplemental essays, scholarship essays, etc. you will need a few topics you can address. My S was able to re-work a few essays to fit just about every situation.</p>
<p>If you want to pursue outside scholarships, many have very early deadlines. Start making a list with application requirements/deadlines.</p>
<p>If you haven’t already asked, you will need to request letters of recommendation from teachers. </p>
<p>Glad you are thinking about this now . . . I was surprised at how many of my S’s classmates didn’t even start to think about college applications until the priority scholarship deadline for our state public universities (Nov. 1 for us) was already missed.</p>