The summer before senior year might feel like your last real “break before the college season kicks into high gear. And while we definitely recommend making time for rest and summer fun, this can also be one of the best times to get a head start on your college application process. Especially since you don’t have the added pressure of school, homework, and extracurriculars.
The good news?
You don’t need to spend your whole summer working on applications to make it count! A few thoughtful steps now can make a huge difference when fall gets busy.
You don’t need to spend your whole summer working on applications to make the most of this time. A few thoughtful steps now can make a huge difference when fall gets busy. A little bit of work now can save a lot of stress later!
Here’s how to make the most of your summer before senior year while still enjoying the downtime you’ve earned.
1. Reflect on Your College Goals
Before we dive into timelines and to-do lists, take a step back. What do you actually want from your college experience?
Think about what kind of environment helps you thrive. Do you prefer smaller classes or a bustling campus? Are you excited about research opportunities or study abroad? What kind of people do you hope to be surrounded by? What parts of your high school experience would you like to keep or leave behind?
The more clarity you have about what makes a strong college fit for you, the easier it will be to build your college list.
Pro Tip: If you need some help exploring college fit further, check out this blog post: 3 Steps to Finding Your Best College Fit
2. Build (or Finalize) Your College List
If you already have the start of a college list, summer is a great time to refine it. Make sure your list has a healthy balance of Likely, Target, and Reach schools and that you feel genuinely excited about each one.
Not sure where to start? Head to college websites and dive into academic programs, campus life, and admissions details. Try watching student-led tours on YouTube or reading blogs written by current students. You might be surprised by what stands out to you.
We also have a Guide to Researching Colleges that will walk you through the process step by step.
Aim to start senior year with a nearly final list. You can always make tweaks, but having a solid foundation means you’ll know what applications to prioritize this fall.
Pro Tip: The Common Application opens on August 1st, before most students head back to school in the fall. The sooner you have your college list finalized (or close to it), the more you’ll be able to get ahead in the weeks before school starts.
3. Visit (or Revisit) Campuses
While most colleges aren’t filled with students and activity over the summer, it’s still a popular time for prospective students to tour colleges since you often have more time and flexibility to travel. But even if a campus is quiet over the summer, you can still learn a lot from a visit.
How do you arrange a campus visit? Here are the steps you should follow in the weeks and days leading up to your college visit.
If summer isn’t the best time for you to travel to college campuses, that’s okay! Many colleges offer virtual tours, student panels, or have social media accounts dedicated to admissions. You can also connect with admissions reps for personalized insights.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to take notes after each visit (in person or virtual). It’s easy for campuses to blur together, and those notes can be a big help when it’s time to write supplemental essays in the fall.
4. Start Your Personal Statement
Summer is an ideal time to start thinking about your Common App personal statement. Your brain isn’t bogged down by school assignments, and you have the time and mental space to reflect on your high school experience.
Start with brainstorming. Think about experiences that have shaped who you are:
How have you grown during high school?
What challenges have you faced, and what did you learn?
Are there moments that shifted your perspective or changed how you see the world?
From there, try writing a few short paragraphs just to get words on the page. Don’t worry about structure or polish at this stage. The goal is to find a story that feels authentic to you. You can refine your essay from there.
By the end of the summer, aim to have a solid draft ready to go. It’ll make your fall so much easier (and help you avoid writing your college essay between studying for AP Bio tests and club meetings).
Pro Tip: If you aren’t sure how to approach your essay, check out these tips for writing your college essay.
5. Get Organized
One of the simplest things you can do this summer is build a central spot where you will record and store college information. Whether it’s a spreadsheet, notebook, or Google Doc, start tracking:
Application deadlines
Required materials (essays, transcripts, recommendations)
Test policies (test-optional vs. required)
Login information for portals like Common App, Coalition, or school-specific sites
Getting organized now means fewer headaches later. Trust us. Your fall self will thank you!
6. Plan for Summer & Fall Testing
Still thinking about taking or retaking the SAT or ACT? Look at the summer and fall test dates now. Summer can be a good time to study or do test prep while your schedule is more flexible.
Keep in mind: Not every student needs to test again. Look at the schools on your list and review your current scores before deciding what’s worth your time.
7. Rest & Recharge
This one is important—don’t skip it!
Use part of your summer to do things you love, spend time with people who make you laugh, and enjoy the slow pace while you have it. Taking care of yourself now sets the stage for a more focused and energized senior year.
Next Steps
The summer before senior year isn’t just about checking boxes or putting off thinking about college for as long as possible. It’s about setting the tone for what’s ahead. A little reflection, organization, and action now can reduce stress and help you feel more confident heading into application season.
You don’t need to write five essays, finalize every application, and visit ten campuses. But if you take even a few of these steps this summer, you’ll give yourself a serious head start.
Need help strategizing your college application?
Our College Application Strategy Package is designed to help seniors create and submit competitive applications that highlight their academic strengths, unique story, and extracurricular accomplishments.