Staying on Track for College Enrollment: Summer Guide

As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, families across the nation embrace the warmth, relaxation, and reflective moments that this season brings. For students in middle and high school, summer is a crucial time for enrichment activities that can significantly bolster their college preparation efforts.

As we welcome the summer season, it’s an ideal time for students to engage in activities that prepare them for the college application process. Whether you're in middle school, early high school, approaching senior year, or preparing to enroll in college, this guide provides tailored advice to help you make the most of your summer. Below are some ideas of how your family can better prepare this summer for enrolling in college.

Preparing for College Enrollment This Fall

For students gearing up to start college this fall, summer is the time to finalize all necessary preparations. It’s about ensuring that all the logistics are in place, so you can start your college journey smoothly and confidently.

1. Finalizing Enrollment: Ensure all enrollment forms and requirements are completed. Check for any last-minute tasks from your college.

2. Housing and Roommates: Finalize housing arrangements and communicate with your future roommates to plan for the upcoming year.

3. Course Registration: Register for your first semester classes and explore any orientation programs or freshman seminars offered by your college.

4. Budget Planning: Create a budget for the upcoming school year, considering tuition, books, living expenses, and personal costs.

5. Health and Wellness: Ensure you have a plan for health insurance and know how to access medical services on or near campus.

6. College Transition: Attend orientation sessions and engage with resources provided by the college to ease the transition from high school to college life.

7. Networking: Connect with future classmates through social media or college forums to build relationships before the school year starts.

Rising 12th Graders

As you prepare for your final year of high school, this summer is crucial for setting the stage for a successful college application season. It’s about refining your college list, completing applications, and ensuring you are ready to submit your best work.

1. Finalize College List: Refine your list of potential colleges and plan to visit or revisit campuses, whether in person or virtually.

2. Complete Application Essays: Polish your personal statements and essays. Ensure they reflect your experiences, goals, and unique voice.

3. Common Application: Begin filling out the Common Application and gather necessary documents, such as transcripts and recommendation letters.

4. Recommendation Letters: Reach out to teachers, counselors, or mentors for recommendation letters. Provide them with ample time and any necessary information.

5. Application Deadlines: Create a calendar of application deadlines and requirements to stay organized and on track.

6. Financial Aid: Explore financial aid options, including FAFSA and other aid forms. Attend informational sessions to understand the process.

7. Extracurricular Engagement: Continue participating in meaningful extracurricular activities that demonstrate your passions and commitments.

Rising 11th Graders

As you approach your junior year, summer is the perfect time to start laying the groundwork for your college applications. This is when you begin to develop your personal narrative and gain experiences that will make your application stand out.

1. Personal Statements and Essays: Start drafting your personal statement and college essays. Reflect on your experiences and articulate your story.

2. Standardized Test Prep: Focus on preparing for the SAT or ACT. Take practice tests, review your results, and work on areas needing improvement.

3. College Research: Research and compile a list of potential colleges. Consider factors like size, location, academic programs, and campus culture.

4. Internships or Job Shadowing: Gain experience in your field of interest through internships or job shadowing. This can provide valuable insights and strengthen your application.

5. Scholarship Opportunities: Begin exploring scholarship opportunities and prepare applications. Many scholarships have early deadlines, so starting now can be beneficial.

Rising 9-10th Graders

At this stage, summer is an excellent time to deepen your academic and extracurricular involvement. It’s about exploring interests and building a strong foundation for future college applications.

1. Academic Enrichment: Enroll in online courses or summer programs to deepen your knowledge in subjects of interest. Consider advanced courses to challenge yourself.

2. Volunteer Work: Find volunteer opportunities related to potential career interests. This not only builds your resume but also helps you explore different fields.

3. Standardized Test Prep: Begin preparing for standardized tests like the PSAT by taking practice exams and reviewing test-taking strategies.

4. College Visits: Visit local colleges to get a feel for different campus environments. Even informal visits can provide valuable insights.

5. Personal Projects: Work on a personal project or portfolio in an area of interest, such as coding, writing, art, or science.

Rising 6-8th Graders

For younger students, summer is a time to explore and discover new interests. It’s about building habits and skills that will set the stage for academic success in high school and beyond.

1. Summer Reading: Dive into a mix of fiction and non-fiction books. Explore new genres and authors to enhance your reading skills and broaden your horizons.

2. STEM Camps: Participate in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) camps or workshops to spark interest and develop foundational skills.

3. Community Service: Volunteer in your local community. It’s a great way to give back, learn new skills, and start building a resume.

4. Extracurricular Activities: Join clubs, sports teams, or arts programs. These activities help develop teamwork, leadership, and time management skills.

5. Journaling: Start a journal to reflect on your experiences, goals, and interests. This practice can help you understand yourself better and set future goals.

List of Free Resources for Planning Your Future

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the numerous paths and decisions awaiting you after high school? We understand, and we're here to guide you every step of the way. ClarifyEd is thrilled to offer you a comprehensive guide, "Planning Your Future: Free Resources for High School Students," designed to navigate the complexities of post-high school planning. Whether you're leaning towards college, vocational training, entering the workforce, or considering military service, our resource list is your essential companion to ensure no opportunity is overlooked.

Download Your Free "Planning Your Future Resource List" Today

Our resource list has been meticulously assembled by professionals with deep insights into post-high school planning, drawing from a wealth of experience across education, career development, and vocational training.

This summer, take proactive steps towards your goals. Whether you're finalizing enrollment for the fall, preparing application essays, or exploring new academic interests, each action brings you closer to your future success. Engage in conversations with family, friends, and mentors about your plans and aspirations. Sometimes, a simple discussion can ignite a spark and guide you toward a successful future.

Let’s work together to ensure every student has the resources and support they need to thrive. At ClarifyEd, we are dedicated to empowering students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their educational journeys. Here’s to a summer of growth, discovery, and preparation for the exciting road ahead!

Dr. Minott