Imagine this: You’ve spent your summer sleeping in, hanging out with friends, going to the beach, and avoiding anything to do with college. It is now mid-August. Then, in what feels like an instant, senior year begins with college applications, essays, and deadlines, all hitting at once. You’re looking back on your relaxed, unserious summer, and wishing there was a way to turn back time and lighten the load on yourself. The good news? If you commit to it, you can significantly lighten your senior fall, and your future self will thank you.
We need to acknowledge the importance of balance. The key to a successful summer is finding time to relax while also preparing for what’s ahead. There are merits to a fun, relaxed summer; after finishing off junior year, rising seniors need a period of repose after the stress of the school year. It is crucial to avoid burnout, as the fall will be a busy time. A good time frame for this relaxation is around the first two weeks of summer. This gives you enough time to enjoy the summer and enough time to work on applications. Spend time with friends, go on walks, or travel. Many students benefit from dedicating the first couple weeks of summer entirely to decompressing before jumping into productivity.
Of course, many high schoolers will take on other priorities over the summer, such as part-time jobs, volunteer positions, or academic programs. With a busy summer schedule, some college preparations may not be realistic. Even if you are not applying early decision or early action, however, the summer is a crucial flexible time for college preparations.
The importance of starting applications early cannot be understated. College essays are a crucial deciding factor for admissions to most schools, and cannot be rushed. The key is using the summer as a tool. The school year will be full no matter what, but using the summer can alleviate that. In the first week, brainstorm ideas for essays, just to get your feet off the ground. In the second week, narrow down your topic. This can seem daunting, but it is imperative that you do not spend too much time deliberating. Prioritize time to write and go with what feels the most personal to you. In weeks three through six, create a first draft and polish it. Make sure you have a good final draft by the end. Ask for advice from trusted teachers, parents or counselors. Finally, use the end of summer for supplementals. Do not ignore them, but prioritize your personal statement!
At the end of the day, summer should feel fun. Balancing productivity and relaxation is the best strategy for rising seniors. For most grades, summer is when some of the pressure is lightened. For instance, most graduated seniors can afford to take time for themselves. After all their work towards college, it is much deserved! And to juniors coming into summer- good luck, and don’t let it scare you. The end of high school is right around the corner!
