May

• Take AP tests this month.

• Campaign for a leadership position in organizations or clubs you will be involved with next year (become a club president, run for class office, create and lead a new club, be the student leader in a community organization, etc.). Leadership experience is one of the most highly prized student qualifications sought by college admission officers.

• Sign up for summer activities – Work a job or internship, provide volunteer service, take an advanced credit or community college course, or enroll in college summer enrichment program.

• Prepare to take SAT Subject Tests™ next month.

• Do well on your final exams next month. Earn the impressive grades needed to be admitted to college and to earn merit-based scholarships.

• Take action to insure you will receive excellent recommendations from teachers, counselors and coaches. Say goodbye before you leave school for the summer and demonstrate some of the personal qualities college admission officers are seeking - be engaged and caring.

• Update your student résumé to include sophomore year activities and accomplishments.

• If you want to play collegiate sports, take the steps necessary in increase your eligibility and to market your athletic abilities.

• Plan to work hard this summer to impress your employers, supervisors or course instructors; these are people you may ask for letters of recommendation in the fall of your senior year . . . but only if you do an excellent job for them this summer.

• If you will have a job this summer, save as much money as possible for college. However, beware of pitfalls.

• If interested in attending a military academy after high school graduation, contact an academy representative and plan to start the application process next year.

• Continue to think about college majors of interest throughout the summer. Conduct research on possible careers that may spark interest in a specific major.

• Consider taking a summer road trip to visit college campuses this coming summer.

• Continue to discuss college options and costs with your parents over the summer. Keep in mind a small, private university may offer you substantial scholarships and cost you less than other schools that offer very little financial aid.

• Be prepared to implement the junior year admission strategy starting in June. The junior admission strategy makes clear the importance of emphasizing student strengths and uniqueness to show that extra “something” that sets you apart from other student applicants.

• Parents - Plan to help your student with the college preparation and admission process over the next two years. Get informed and help with the important decisions ahead.