From the College Counseling Office… 

Summer Checklist

¨  Work on your college essays. Although not all schools require essays, many scholarship applications do. By taking time to work on them during the summer, you will save yourself a great deal of time in the fall! Essays allow you to illustrate for the reader who you truly are- more so than your application may otherwise demonstrate.

o   Be unique and creative, but make sure you avoid any controversial topics. You do not want to offend your reader!

o   Have your essays proofread by at least one other person. Your English teachers, the writing lab, and your college counselor are great resources.

¨  Continue to narrow down your list of colleges. Take into consideration your GPA, ACT, or SAT scores and make sure you allow yourself a range of schools in regard to selectivity. Have a “reach” school if you would like, but do not have all reach schools. Research the schools on your list using online resources such as Family Connection (http://connection.naviance.com/kirkwood) and college guides such as The Fiske Guide. Consider the curricula at the various schools- are these the types of classes you will enjoy taking for the next four years? If you don’t remember your Family Connection log-in, contact your College Counselor!

¨  Visit campuses. If you still have schools that you have not been able to visit, the summer will allow you the opportunity to get to those campuses. Keep in mind that this will not be a true representation of campus, as there are fewer students on campus during the summer. However, getting a feel for various campuses now can help you to better identify your likes/ dislikes. You can then re-visit your top campuses throughout the fall and spring prior to making your final decision.

¨  Review application requirements. Make sure you have a complete understanding of what the schools on your list ask of you in your application for admission. Do they require an essay? letter(s) of recommendation? When are the deadlines? By doing this over the summer, you will save yourself last minute stress! 

¨  Prepare and Register for the ACT or SAT. If you are planning to take the ACT or SAT in the fall, the summer is a great time to prepare yourself to do your best in the fall. You may elect to study using a book, CD-rom, or private/group tutoring depending upon your learning style. Don’t forget that the first ACT is in September, and the first SAT in October- which means that you will need to register over the summer!

¨  Stay involved! Whether you are working, volunteering, practicing your musical skills, playing sports, or active in your church- use your time to pursue activities in which you are interested. This continued involvement will highlight for colleges what you will be able to offer to the campus community.

¨  Develop your resume. Resumes allow you to outline your various accomplishments and honors. They illustrate what you do with your free time and how you have pursued your areas of interest. Take time over the summer to put together a solid resume- it will also save you time in the fall.

¨  Student-Athletes. If you are an athlete and intend to compete in intercollegiate sports at the Division I or Division II level, register with and have an official copy of your transcripts sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center at the conclusion of your junior year  (https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/student/index_student.html) 

Tips for athletes can also be found on the KHS College Counseling website.