For Rising Seniors: College Advice for Late Summer

Act now!

Yes – waiting for the start of school is a delaying tactic that could prove to be problematic.

Following through on the list below will allow the college search/applying process to be so much easier on you and your family. In fact, you will find that you can derive some joy from this part of your senior year.

1. Look up the dates for the fall open houses at the colleges on your tentative list. Plan to attend one or more of these functions.

2. Sign up online for the SATs or ACTs to be sure that you are assured a space at the site and date of your choice.

3. Look for an answer to this question: is your academic record consistent with the profile of students your chosen universities usually accept? Look on the admission section of the colleges’ web sites and heed the requirements and the entering class profile (most universities list both).

4. Be sure that you “love your list.” If you are not enthusiastic about a college on your list, then deep-six it!

5. Identify the topic(s) for the essays that you need to write for your college choices. Sketch out an outline for each essay. Compose your first drafts(s).

6.. If your list is shy of “loved” colleges, then now is the time to email your counselor at school for an early appointment in September and/or engaging an independent college consultant. Identify possible choices by looking at the professional web site for the Higher Education Consultants of America – www.hecaonline.org. For a modest cost a consultant will help you to develop an appropriate list of universities.

Consultants can work with you in person or by distance (phone/email).

Will Dunfey
University Advisors