Summer Before Senior Year: 10 Things Rising Seniors Should Do for College Admissions Success

The summer before senior year is a great time to unwind—but it’s also a great opportunity to get started on rising seniors college applications. With fewer school-year distractions, students can strategically use this time to reduce stress, strengthen their applications, and stand out to colleges. Here’s how rising seniors can make the most of their summer:

✍️ 1. Start Your College Essay

The Common App opens August 1, but the Personal Statement (aka the Common App essay) prompts are already available. Start brainstorming and drafting now. The goal isn’t to finish a perfect essay overnight—this isn’t really possible—but to start reflecting on meaningful experiences, values, and challenges that have shaped you. This summer, colleges will begin releasing their school-specific supplemental essay prompts. Bookmark this page—we update it frequently with the latest prompts. 

Need help getting started? We can help you with every step of the process—from developing your ideas to polishing your final draft. Writing a strong college essay takes time and strategy, and we’re here to help you tell your story effectively.

📝 2. Work on Your Activities List

The Common Application’s Activities section should be more than a list—it’s your chance to show how you’ve spent your time when you’re not in class. Start by identifying your most meaningful experiences, then begin drafting descriptions of these top 8-10 activities, including school clubs, jobs, leadership roles, volunteer work, and family responsibilities. When you write each description, don’t just say what you did—focus on impact, initiative, and commitment.

🎯 3. Refine Your College List

Research colleges and create a balanced list of schools. Explore each college’s website, sign up for their mailing list, attend virtual sessions, and consider visiting campuses if possible. Narrowing your list now means you won’t be scrambling come fall, and your essays will feel authentic because you actually know why each school appeals to you.

📆 4. Create a College Application Calendar

Map out deadlines for your Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision applications. Note test dates, application deadlines, scholarship due dates, and interview opportunities. Getting organized now means fewer surprises later.

🌟 5. Work with International College Counselors

Starting with a professional college advisor early in the summer gives students a major advantage. This head start allows for a less stressful, more strategic approach to building a college list, preparing for interviews, and drafting and revising compelling personal essays—without the pressure of last-minute cramming.

At International College Counselors, we’ve helped thousands of students gain admission to their best-fit schools—including all the Ivies and top public universities. Each student is matched with a dedicated lead advisor, but they also benefit from the expertise of our entire team. Our counselors collaborate behind the scenes, sharing strategies, resources, and insights to deliver the strongest support possible.

Whether you’re aiming for a highly selective institution or seeking a school that matches your academic, social, financial, and geographic needs, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. The earlier we begin, the more we can do together. Don’t wait—make the most of the summer and give your student every advantage in the admissions process.

🖥️ 6. Create or Clean Up Your Online Presence

Colleges may search your name, so make sure your social media reflects the student you want to present. This is especially important for international students, as U.S. State Department officials may review your online presence when evaluating visa applications. If those officials don’t like what they see, such as concerning content or associations, students may have their visas delayed or denied.

All applicants should take the time to clean up their accounts, adjust their privacy settings, and remove anything that might be misinterpreted. Consider creating a professional online presence—like a LinkedIn profile or a portfolio website—especially if your interests involve writing, design, coding, music, or another creative or technical field.

📚 7. Pursue a Meaningful Summer Experience

Whether it’s a job, internship, summer course, volunteer role, or independent project, doing something purposeful this summer shows initiative and passion. As a way of assessing your priorities, colleges want to see how you spend your time when no one is telling you what to do.

This is also the perfect time to strengthen your application with activities that help shape how colleges perceive you. What you choose to do now can underscore your interests, values, and potential contributions to a campus community. Make your summer count!

🧠 8. Prepare for Standardized Tests (If Necessary)

If you’re a rising senior or junior and haven’t taken the SAT or ACT—or want to improve your score—summer is an ideal time to study. Without the distraction of school tests and homework, you can focus on practice tests, take a prep course, or work with a tutor. If you’re a rising senior, plan to test (or retest) by August or September so scores arrive in time for early deadlines. Do you need a recommendation for a tutor or prep program? Contact us at International College Counselors.

🎓 9. Research and Begin Scholarships

Some merit scholarships have early fall deadlines. Start researching now and keep a list of opportunities. If you know you’ll apply for financial aid, also create your FSA ID and familiarize yourself with FAFSA and CSS Profile requirements. You should apply for aid at the same time you apply for admission.

💬 10. Talk to Your Family About College Plans

Use this time to sit down with your family and have those important conversations about college. Talk through the practical matters—what you can realistically afford, where you’ll be comfortable living, and what kind of college experience you’re actually hoping for.

These conversations might feel awkward at first, but they’re worth having now rather than in the middle of application season when emotions are running high. Getting everyone aligned on expectations and strategies before senior year arrives will save the family a lot of stress later.