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What High School Seniors Should Do This Summer to Prepare for College

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Summer before senior year is more than just a chance to relax—it’s a critical window to get ahead of the curve before the hectic college application season begins. While beach days, part-time jobs, and late mornings are part of the fun, this season also offers the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a smoother, less stressful senior year. College applications, scholarship deadlines, essays, and financial aid forms will arrive faster than you think, and planning now can help you feel more in control when fall rolls around.

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Using the summer months wisely doesn’t mean giving up your break—it means balancing downtime with action steps that will benefit your future. Whether it’s researching schools, narrowing down your major interests, prepping for the SAT or ACT, or working a summer job to save for college expenses, every bit of effort now can pay off in a big way.

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In this guide, we’ve listed 10 smart, strategic steps every rising senior can take this summer to set themselves up for success—both in admissions and in financial planning. Knock out a few of these now, and you’ll walk into senior year more confident, prepared, and ready to take on the college journey.

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1. Finalize Your College List

Research schools based on academic programs, campus culture, financial aid, and location. Narrow your list to a mix of “reach,” “match,” and “safety” schools. Aim for 6–10 colleges total.

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Pro Tip: Make note of each school’s deadlines and financial aid requirements (like CSS Profile vs. FAFSA).

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2. Visit Colleges (Virtually or In-Person)

Use the summer to tour campuses if possible. If you can’t travel, check out virtual tours, student YouTube vlogs, or college TikToks for a real-life glimpse.

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Why it matters: You’ll write stronger essays and make better choices when you actually see where you might live and learn.

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3. Start Your Personal Statement

The Common App essay opens August 1—but it’s never too early to brainstorm. Spend time reflecting on your values, experiences, and goals. Draft multiple versions and get feedback before school starts.

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4. Work on a Resume or Activity List

Compile a list of your extracurriculars, leadership roles, volunteer work, jobs, and honors. This will make applications, scholarships, and interviews way easier later on.

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5. Look for Scholarships

There are thousands of scholarships available over the summer! Apply to local, niche, and no-essay scholarships now to get a financial head start.

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👉 Tip: Sign up for our free student portal to find new scholarships updated weekly. If you want help applying or choosing the best ones, you can also chat 1-on-1 with a financial advisor through our premium membership.

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6. Learn How the FAFSA Works

Even if it’s not open yet (expected to open in October for the 2025–2026 year), now’s the time to understand how the FAFSA works, what documents you’ll need, and how financial aid is calculated using your Student Aid Index (SAI).

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7. Take (or Retake) the SAT/ACT

If you plan to submit scores, summer test dates can be less stressful than those during the school year. Consider retaking the test to improve your chances at merit aid or admission.

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8. Get a Job or Internship

Besides boosting your college resume, working helps you save for expenses like application fees, housing deposits, or travel. It also shows initiative and maturity—qualities colleges love.

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9. Organize Your Application Materials

Set up a Google Drive or folder for transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and your essays. This makes it easier when it’s time to submit everything.

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10. Schedule a 1:1 Chat with a College Funding Pro

Want to make sure you’re not leaving free money on the table? Need help with financial aid forms or budget planning? Our premium portal gives you access to experts who can walk you through everything—from scholarships to school costs.

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Final Thoughts

Summer before senior year is the perfect time to get ahead, save money, and reduce stress. Whether you’re researching colleges, writing essays, or applying for scholarships, small steps now can make a huge difference this fall. You don’t have to do it all alone—we’ve got tools and support to make the journey easier.

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👉 Want more help? Head over to our student portal for scholarship lists, college prep checklists, downloadable guides, and access to financial aid pros who can answer your questions 1-on-1.

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