Rising High School Seniors - Use Your Summer Wisely!

Beachball in pool

Summer Tips for Rising Seniors

Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to get a head start on enhancing your college admissions profile!

Here are some tips to make the most of your summer and stand out when applying to colleges:

Explore Your Interests

Use this break to delve deeper into your passions. Pursue internships, volunteer opportunities, or part-time jobs related to your field of interest. It not only shows dedication but also helps you gain valuable real-world experience.

Take on Leadership Roles

Colleges love to see students who take initiative. Consider starting or leading a club, organizing a community service project, or taking charge in a summer program. Demonstrating leadership skills can set you apart from other applicants.

Dive into Academics

Strengthen your academic profile by enrolling in challenging courses or attending summer academic programs. Perhaps work on a research project. It shows your commitment to learning and your willingness to go the extra mile.

Engage in Community Service

Make a positive impact by volunteering for causes you care about. Whether it's tutoring, environmental conservation, or helping the less fortunate, community service showcases your compassion and dedication to making a difference.

Cultivate Your Hobbies

Use your free time to pursue your hobbies and interests outside of academics. Whether it's playing a musical instrument, painting, writing, or participating in sports, showcasing your talents and dedication in extracurricular activities is highly valued.

Visit Campuses

(Virtually or In Person)

The best way to sense if a college is a good fit for you is by visiting the campus. In-person visits are ideal, but if that is not possible then explore potential colleges by attending virtual information sessions and taking virtual tours.

It helps you get a feel for the campus environment, make informed decisions when applying, and can provide valuable insights for writing your “why us” essay that some colleges require. Some colleges even take ‘demonstrated interest’ into account when making admission decisions so don’t forget to register for any events you attend.

Start Drafting Your

College Essay

The CommonApp becomes available on August 1 to begin your admission applications and you will be very busy at the start of your senior year. So take advantage of the relaxed summer schedule to brainstorm and write your college essay.

Reflect on your experiences, values, and personal growth. Crafting a compelling essay takes time, so start early and seek feedback from teachers, counselors, family, friends or anyone willing to help.

Balance is the key!

Remember, the key is to find a balance between pursuing your passions and enjoying your summer break. Don't forget to take some time for self-care and relaxation too!

If you have any questions or need guidance throughout the college admissions process, don't hesitate to reach out to GPS College Guidance. We're here to support you every step of the way. Good luck, and make this summer count!

GPS College Guidance

GPS College Guidance specializes in providing boutique-style college admissions consulting services. Our approach revolves around delivering individualized and highly personalized guidance, tailoring our services to meet each student's unique needs and aspirations. With over 25 years of experience working with students, we understand that the college admissions process varies for every individual.

Our primary focus is on student success, and we begin by getting to know each student personally, considering their entire journey of college admission from school selection to enrollment.

Schedule your complimentary consultation today and learn how GPS College Guidance can guide you throughout the college admissions process.



Previous
Previous

Please Pass the Gravy, and Let's Talk College or Not: Navigating Thanksgiving Conversations for Parents and College-Bound Seniors

Next
Next

University Spotlight: DePaul University