June is for Juniors

Yes, it's May. Yes, there are still SAT Subject Tests, finals, ACTs, proms, graduation parties, and a number of other important events coming up in the next few weeks. Still, this late-spring is a great time to start planning out your application strategies if you have not done so already. With that in mind, here are three quick tips to get you started:

1. Use June! Once your school exams are over, consider taking a crack at your personal essay for college applications. Brainstorm ideas with a teacher, parent or counselor. You can view this year’s common application as a PDF at www.commonapp.org -- the essay questions are listed on the last page.
2. Visit, visit, visit! Don’t despair if you have not yet visited a college or two. You CAN visit colleges in the summer. While campuses will be a bit more empty than in they were in the spring, there is still plenty to see and do. It's better to visit in the summer than to not visit at all. Don’t forget that certain colleges are tracking a student’s level of interest in the admissions process. Visit if you can!
3. Recommend me, please! Which teachers will you be asking for recommendations? Many colleges only require one teacher recommendation, but others require two. Double-check that. Talk to or write an email to the teachers you are considering--let them know you plan to ask them. Be considerate and tell them why you are choosing them for your teacher recommendation. 

Remember: senior year can be stressful, but good planning goes a long way. Good luck!