Summer is a Great Time to Boost College Applications
With summer break just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to remind students to use the time wisely. The weeks away from school offer a great opportunity for students to bolster their summer applications. Here are some key activities we recommend for summer:
Experiences that encourage personal growth
- In annual surveys, 70 percent of admissions officers say that a student’s character attributes are important in the selection process. Colleges seek evidence of a student’s character beyond their performance as a student, paying close attention to how students use their time outside of school. This could include formal summer programs such as pre-collegiate programs at colleges and universities, passion projects that allow students to explore an interest in depth, volunteering, or summer jobs.
SAT or ACT prep
- As test scores gain importance in the college admissions process, test prep is increasingly important for students hoping to compete for admission to selective colleges. Summer is a great time for SAT or ACT prep because students are able to dedicate more time and focus to boosting test scores without the demands of the school year.
Campus Visits
- Campus visits are extremely valuable as students consider their needs and wants in a college. Students gain a greater understanding of what’s available by visiting a variety of college campuses.
Application Essays
- Rising seniors should spend a lot of time during the summer working on their college application essays. Taking advantage of summer to work on drafts makes the application process less stressful in the fall.
Free Webinar: Preparing for Summer SAT/ACT: Final Tips Before the Test
C2 Education will host a live webinar on Wednesday, May 21 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT. We’ll discuss strategies for preparing for summer test dates, including last-minute prep strategies and what to do if students don’t reach their score goals this summer. The presentation is followed by a live Q&A that allows participants to get their test prep and college admissions questions answered.
Supporting Students as They Research Colleges
For seniors, it’s time to finalize the list of schools to which they intend to apply. For younger students, it’s never too early to start researching colleges to develop college goals and action plans. Our families consistently ask, “When should you start researching colleges?” We’ve got the answer in our latest blog post here.
