Summer time... beach, sun, and essays!?

Juniors... school's out! Let the fun begin. Of course, summer is time for letting your hair down and relaxing. In fact, that should be your MAIN concern this summer. But, if you want to make your senior year a little easier, and your college applications a little stronger, there are things you can do now.

Comprehensive College Advising breaks down the THREE things you can do this summer, in addition to relaxing, to help your college chances.

1. Do something constructive.

What does that mean? It's wide open to interpretation, on purpose. Colleges want to make sure that you spend some time this summer doing something meaningful. Best case, this "meaningful activity" supports your college application. Here are some examples:

- Involve yourself further in something you will already be highlighting in your application. For example, if you enjoy running, perhaps you could do something that involves running (organize a road race, participate in charity races, coach younger runners, join a running club). Your summer activity could add another aspect to an activity that will already be highlighted on your application.

- Get involved in something new. If you haven't had a chance to engage in community service during high school, now's a great time to do that! If your high school activities involve mostly sports and clubs, maybe now is a good time to take on a job. Colleges like you to focus on your passions, but it's also nice to be well-rounded and explore other things.

- Take a leadership role. Summer is a great time to take on a new challenge, and colleges love when students take on leadership positions. If you have babysat the other kids in your neighborhood, perhaps you could organize a community babysitting resource guide. If you enjoy playing soccer, plan a summer soccer workshop for little kids. Planning, organizing and being creative are qualities colleges love!

- Explore a career. If you aren't sure what you "want to be when you grow up" or what you want to study in college, summer could be the perfect opportunity to engage in an internship or job shadow. Ask your parents and friends to tap into their networks and see if anyone would let you shadow them for a few days or a few weeks. You probably won't get paid for this, but the experience (and addition to your resume) will be very worthwhile.

2. Start essays and applications.

The fall of senior year can be very stressful. There is a LOT to get done. And grades and school work should be #1. So, start applications and essays over the summer...for a less stressful fall.

- Most colleges require a main essay (between 450-650 words) on a topic that helps the college get to know you better. Check out the Common Application Essay Prompts here: http://www.commonapp.org/whats-appening/application-updates/common-application-announces-2016-2017-essay-prompts There are two important reasons colleges require an essay as part of the application: 1. To check out your writing skills 2. To learn more about you. So, focus on those and write an essay from the heart.

- Many colleges release their applications in the summer. The Common Application can be completed after August 1. Much of the application is just time-consuming, not particularly difficult. So, taking the time now to fill out the first few pages can really cut down on time in the fall.

3. Research college interview policies and procedures.

- If a college offers the opportunity for an applicant to do an interview, it's usually in a student's best interest to do so. However, not all colleges offer interviews, and those that do have very different schedules and policies about interviews. So, summer is a great time to make a list of your colleges and research online about if they offer interviews, and if so, find out the following: Who (who does the interview), Where (on-campus or locally?), When (when are interviews offered?), How (how do you sign up?)

- The summer is also a great time to schedule a mock interview. Comprehensive College Advising offers mock interviews to students so that students know what to expect and how to phrase things in a way that could really help them.

It can be really difficult to stay motivated during the summer months. But, Comprehensive College Advising is available and ready to help! Let's get big parts of the application done now! That way, senior year will be less stressful, and your application will ultimately be better because you won't be rushing.

Enjoy the sun during the day...we can meet at night :)

Good luck!