AskMsChen8Four Priorities for the Summer Before Senior Year
1 · Start the main essay early
Build a list of meaningful experiences and moments. Brainstorm, draft, ask for feedback and revise. Preserve the student’s authentic voice; no adviser should manufacture the story.
2 · Audit activities
Record what you actually did, your level of responsibility, the time involved and the impact you can substantiate. Spend summer deepening commitments rather than chasing a collection of superficial titles.
3 · Build a balanced school list
Research academic fit, selectivity, real cost, location and degree options. Include a range of schools that you would genuinely be happy to attend. Verify each institution’s current requirements and deadlines directly.
4 · Prepare funding questions
Talk with family about a realistic budget. Review each college’s published financial aid and scholarship eligibility, the documentation required, and important timelines. Domestic and international applicants may face different rules.
A simple weekly sequence
Weeks 1–2: collect achievements and story ideas; weeks 3–4: research schools and draft essay; weeks 5–6: review activities and school list; weeks 7–8: revise application materials and organize financial aid tasks.
Before you submit
Recheck application portals, official deadlines, test policies, recommendation procedures and the final PDF or preview. Rules change by college and year.