May
- 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 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 course, or enroll in a college summer enrichment program.
- Plan to work hard this summer to impress your employers, supervisors, or class 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 have a job this summer, save as much money as possible for college. However, beware of pitfalls.
- Continue to discuss college options and costs with your parents over the summer. Calculate how much you and your family can afford to pay toward college expenses. Keep in mind a small, private university may offer substantial scholarships and cost you less than other schools that offer very little financial aid.
- Do well on your final exams next month. Earn the impressive grades needed to get accepted to college and to earn merit-based scholarships.
- Continue to think about college majors during the coming summer. Conduct research on possible careers that may spark interest in a specific major.
- Update your student résumé to include freshman year activities and accomplishments.
- Parents - Plan to help your student with the college preparation and admission process over the next three years. Get informed and help with the important decisions ahead.
