Hi, Reader!

I’ve had a great few weeks lately! A few weeks ago, I spent nearly a week with some of my College Essay Guy colleagues and other college counseling professionals at a retreat in El Cajon, Calif., where we talked all things authentic relating and storytelling.

We even had the chance to write our own personal statements, and if you’re curious, you can check out mine here.

I got back and then quickly made the switch from writer to coach and went up to College Station last Tuesday and Wednesday to present for the fourth year to Texas A&M’s Youth Adventure Program camp. There, I worked with 22 rising seniors on their Texas A&M admission essays while they were immersed in all things Aggie. It was so much fun to work with them and see them go from stressed out to breathing a little easier.

Then to cap it all off, we just got back last night from a trip to Seattle, where we enjoyed cooler weather, took a break from the routine, and caught (and released) some really weird sea creatures in the Puget Sound.

How to Make the Most of (the Rest of) Your Summer

But now, I’m back to the grind (at least for the next two weeks). How about you?

I’m finding it hard to believe it’s already mid-July, but here we are. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of time to get some work done on college prep! Whatever grade you’re in, there’s a little something you can do. Check out this list and see if there’s anything you can cross off before summer ends!

9th-graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
• ​Learning How to Learn + The Science of Well Being: These free Coursera courses will help you understand how your brain works and what you can do to optimize your productivity and happiness.

10th-graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 10th through 12th grade.
• Before starting junior year it might be a good idea to start thinking about colleges. Where do you start? How to Research Colleges (Without Visiting a Campus)​
• If you identify as a First Generation College Student, or a Low Income Student, please read this: Low-Income & First-Generation College Students​
• ​Learning How to Learn + The Science of Well Being: These free Coursera courses will help you understand how your brain works and what you can do to optimize your productivity and happiness.
• ​Explore colleges with 800+ lists: Curious about what colleges have to offer? Use this fun online, searchable database from CollegeXpress, which covers everything from academic environments to school spirit.
• ​Social media cleanup: This is a good time to clean up your social media profiles. If you have any questionable photos or language, delete them now before you start your college search in earnest.

11th-graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process for 11th and 12th grade.
• Think about starting your personal statement for the Common App if you haven’t already. How to write a college application essay​
• And if you’re applying to the UCs, that’s a very different application—head here to learn about how to write your UC PIQs.
• The Matchlighters Scholars Program pairs highly motivated students from low-income households with experienced college counselors. It's totally free and applying couldn't be easier.
• If you’ve excelled academically despite financial challenges, consider applying to QuestBridge or the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program, and check in with your counselor on the Posse Foundation nomination process.
• ​How to Create a College List: Prepare to finalize your college list, and use this spreadsheet to keep things organized. Once you do, create a second spreadsheet with deadlines for applications, and scholarships, number of required recommendations, testing policies, etc.
• ​Things Students of Color Should Know When Applying to College: Listen to this solid advice spanning the college search, financial aid, and how to advocate for yourself in the process.
• ​Tips for Planning a College Visit: Make a plan to visit a couple schools based on your college research, if you’re able. If getting to the campuses isn’t possible, learn as much as you can online via virtual information sessions.
• ​Get organized and kick off your application process: Research the admission requirements and deadlines for schools on your list, and create a spreadsheet to organize information.
• ​How to write a successful Common App Activities List/How to​ write a college resume: Learn more about these pieces of the application process.
• Get registered for the SAT and/or ACT test for early fall. This may be the last time to test prior to early action/early decision dates. Here are some free or low cost test prep options: Khan Academy’s free test prep and Low-cost test-prep available from the ACT ​

12th-graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process for 12th grade.
• ​Study tips in college (from MIT): You’ll soon be sitting in your first college class, so take the time to read up on some suggestions on time management, testing, and study skills.
• ​Get familiar with college lingo: College brings a ton of new vocabulary, so keep this glossary handy while you navigate registration, housing, and student services.
• ​The Summer Before College: A Five-Step Guide (for Productivity or Fun): It’s your last summer before heading off to college. Make it count.
• Sign up for an orientation date at your college. Orientation will cover all things you need to accomplish before senior year-meet with your advisor to choose classes, set up financial aid/payment accounts, reserve your dormitory, etc.

Keep enjoying your summer, but don't forget to throw in a little productivity in here and there, too!

Happy Writing!

Julia

P.S. Don't forget that the Common App will close July 28 and open back up by Aug. 1. Here's what you need to know about account rollover.​

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