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. 

1. Register & Prepare for Standardized Tests

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. 

Key Summer Action Steps: 

• Check registration deadlines for the July ACT and August SAT. 

• Create a study plan using prep books, digital platforms, or tutoring. 

• Take full-length practice tests to simulate test day conditions. 

• Consider superscoring policies—some colleges accept your highest section scores from different test dates. 

Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll submit scores, having a solid result in your back pocket gives you flexibility down the line.

2. Finalize & Research Your College List

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. 

How to Build a Strong College List: 

• Aim for balance: Include a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. 

• Visit campuses—in person or virtually. Explore classrooms, dorms, and dining halls, but also take time to walk the surrounding neighborhood. 

• Talk to current students or recent alumni to learn about campus culture. 

• List your must-haves: academic programs, location, social scene, support services, and financial aid. 

Keep track of your impressions with a simple spreadsheet or notebook. Don’t rely on memory—your future self will thank you in October.

3. Focus on Personal Growth & Resume Building

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. 

Ideas to Explore: 

• Take a summer course at a local college or online. 

• Volunteer for a cause that matters to you. 

• Get a job or internship—even part-time roles show responsibility. 

• Work on a personal project, such as writing, art, coding, or starting a blog. 

• Update your resume to include your most recent achievements. 

These activities not only make your application stronger but can also inspire powerful essay topics later. 

4. Get a Jumpstart on College Applications

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. 

What to Work on This Summer: 

• Write your personal statement: Reflect on a defining experience or core value you want colleges to understand about you. 

• Brainstorm supplemental essay topics: Many schools release prompts in advance. 

• Request letters of recommendation: Ask teachers early, politely, and in person or via email. Give them time and a resume or brag sheet for reference. 

• Build your resume: Include academics, activities, honors, work, and leadership roles. 

• Create a master application checklist with deadlines for each school. 

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. 

5. Explore Scholarships & Financial Aid Options

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. 

Financial Prep To-Dos: 

• Research institutional aid policies for each college. 

• Check eligibility requirements for need-based vs. merit-based aid. 

• Make a list of scholarships that align with your background, interests, or academic profile. 

• Gather financial documents for the FAFSA and CSS Profile. 

Tip: Tools like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board’s Scholarship Search are great places to start. 

Final Thoughts: Balance Rest & Productivity 

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.