The summer before senior year isn’t just for relaxing by the pool or catching up on sleep—it’s one of the most important windows in the college admissions journey. With fall deadlines fast approaching, the decisions you make this summer can ease stress, sharpen your goals, and set the tone for a confident and organized senior year.
At Test Prep Score, we believe that a strategic summer leads to stronger applications and less chaos once school begins. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help incoming high school seniors make the most of the months ahead.
Even in the era of test-optional admissions, submitting strong SAT or ACT scores can still give your application an edge—especially if you’re applying to competitive programs or merit-based scholarships.
Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll submit scores, having a solid result in your back pocket gives you flexibility down the line.
A shorter, more targeted college list saves you time, money, and mental energy. With application fees and essays piling up fast in the fall, summer is the ideal time to trim and refine your options.
Keep track of your impressions with a simple spreadsheet or notebook. Don’t rely on memory—your future self will thank you in October.
Colleges want more than test scores—they want people with passions, curiosity, and initiative. Use the summer to deepen your interests, try new things, and add substance to your extracurriculars.
These activities not only make your application stronger but can also inspire powerful essay topics later.
The Common App opens on August 1, but you don’t have to wait until then to begin your applications. Getting started early means fewer headaches when school, sports, and senior year chaos hit in the fall.
Don’t forget to check financial aid requirements too. Some schools require the FAFSA, CSS Profile, or school-specific forms—and some merit scholarships have early deadlines.
Summer is also the perfect time to start searching for scholarships, especially local and private ones. The earlier you begin, the more opportunities you’ll find—and the less financial stress you’ll face later.
Tip: Tools like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board’s Scholarship Search are great places to start.
While this summer is packed with important tasks, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Rest, recharge, and enjoy your time with family and friends. College prep is a marathon, not a sprint—so give yourself grace and pace your efforts.
By approaching the summer with structure and purpose, you’ll enter senior year feeling calm, confident, and one step ahead.
Looking for more expert tips or 1-on-1 support with test prep or college essays? Connect with the team at Test Prep Score for customized guidance that meets you where you are.