College Consulting Tip: Now is the Time
Don't worry, summer lasts for a while. There'll be plenty of time to get some good work done while still leaving you time for fun. (photo credit: Klearchos Kapoutsis via Flickr).
Hey Juniors!
School will be out this week and I know how much all of you must be looking forward to it. No school, no responsibility, nice weather, and nothing to do but rest and relax. But while it's important to have fun, there's so much to do for next fall that it's a really good idea to get a head start and take care or some things right now. Here are three things that are just ideal to do in the summer.
1. Write your essay
The essay is obviously an important part of your college application. It's one of the very few things where your own voice gets to shine. But for many students, the essay is something that gets put off to the last minute. Naturally this is a bad idea for any essay, but it's especially harmful for your college essay. Writing about yourself, and making it meaningful, is much more difficult than most other types of writing. It requires more time for reflection. A peaceful summer, free of the stress of school (with the addition of the bulk of the admissions process) is the perfect time to accomplish that.
2. Visit a campus
There once was a time when campus visits were not much of a big deal. Unfortunately, that time has passed. Campus visits are one of the best ways to let admissions officers know you and know that you're serious about attending their school. And what better time to make that trip than during the summer. With school out and many families thinking about vacations anyway, it's very easy to spend a day of your trip on campus, and it could be invaluable to your admissions.
3. Have fun
There is, of course, a reason why most schools are not year round. The stress and anxiety that students face during a typical school year has never been higher; and the highly competitive college admissions process just adds ontop of that. It is important that you take advantage of your summer so that fall isn't as terrible as it can be. There are lots of things to do and seemingly no time for it all. But it's vitally important that everyone remembers that your still kids. Be sure to take plenty of time to relax so that you can come back in August fully refreshed and ready to tackle admissions!
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