Yesterday I wrote all about the importance of seniors taking a break and preparing for college.
Juniors- this is not the case for you.
This summer is time to crack down and work. Make this one count; because of all of your summers, this one has the most weight. You’re older. You’re smarter. Every program is now available to you. So take advantage of this and get to work.
If you are a student who interns, does research, or attends summer programs: Find something that’s a bit more competitive. You want to increase the rigor of your activities the way you would increase the rigor of your classes. Maybe this means being staff at a program, or applying to a “rising seniors” only one. Perhaps you’ll take on a more hands on role in the research internship you do. Though I usually discourage its use, College Confidential is great for finding these types of programs. Learn something new, have an experience impact you. These “junior only” programs tend to train you for the college admissions process in that field, so be ready.
If you are a student who works: I know that you feel like you have the short end of the stick, but that’s not the case at all. Being able to hold down a job at 17 is incredibly impressive and shows a lot of commitment and maturity. So if you’re working make a good impression this summer. Get a promotion or a raise. Take on some responsibility. If you do a great job your boss or supervisor might be able to write you a very unique letter of recommendation.
If you are a student who takes classes: See if you can take real classes at a local college, rather than the “high school” geared programs at some universities. Again, it’s about increasing the rigor, and those “high school” programs tend to just be summer camp with a tinsy academic focus. Though, again, it depends on the program. Take things that interest you or things that might fill a gen-ed requirement at your future university.
If you are a student that travels: First of all, count your lucky stars because I’m jealous. But on an admissions note, keep a journal of all of the things you do (it can be both pictures and words). If there is an experience that really impacts you or changes something within you, that can be great essay fodder (a little cliché, but if it’s your voice and your life, who can tell you you’re wrong?). Additionally, this can be great for interview questions; you can review your journal right before so you don’t “um” and “oh” your way through an interview.
For all juniors though, here are some things to really make sure you have on lock this summer:
- Start your common app. It opens August 1st, but you have the essay topics already (see this post on how to handle the essays). You don’t have to be finished, but having a few ideas bouncing around in your head and on paper. The earlier you start, the earlier you’ll be done.
2. If you are taking the SAT or ACT in the fall make sure to keep up with the studying. If you let it slip your scores might not improve and these tests will be your last chance. At least 1 practice section and 1 chapter in the review books a week.
3. Make sure to have those recs on lock, you should ask your teachers before the summer begins, but if you haven’t make sure to email them or phone them and ask very politely. Face to face is ideal, of course, but if you can’t, get them done ASAP.
4. Finish up that college list. You have until December, but with early action being a thing, and how busy senior fall can be, try to have your list pretty much settled. You can, of course, have “maybe” schools, but have your 1 3 1 (1 safety, 3 matches, 1 reach or high match) on lock. You have some free time, so take those tours and do your research.
Juniors the hardest part is starting, so make sure you’re prepared. This summer is an important one, so make it count.
No comments:
Post a Comment