The Ultimate Summer Checklist: What Rising Seniors Must Do Before Senior Year Starts
Let’s be honest, It’s summer.
You don’t want to think about college applications. You definitely don’t want to read a long blog post about it.
This is not a “work all summer” guide. This is a do-the-minimum-but-do-it-right checklist so you don’t panic in September.
If you do just this, you’ll already be ahead of most seniors.
Week 1: Build Your College List (Without Overthinking It)
Create a balanced list of 8–12 universities.
What to do:
Brain dump schools you’ve heard of, like, or are curious about
Don’t research deeply yet, just list
Then organize them into:
Reach (hard to get in)
Target (you fit the average student)
Safety (you’re very likely to get in)
Week 2: Clean and Refine Your List
Cut and refine your list into something realistic.
What to check:
Does the school offer your major?
Location (be honest — could you live there?)
Cost (even rough estimates matter)
Vibe (big, small, urban, campus?)
Remove:
Schools you added “just because”
Schools you would never actually attend
You should end this week with:
A clear, intentional list you feel good about.
Week 3: Check Supplemental Essays (Yes, Already)
Know what schools will ask you to write later.
What to do:
Go to each college’s admissions website
Look for:
“Supplemental essays”
“Writing prompts”
“Application requirements”
Why this matters:
Some schools ask:
“Why us?”
Community essays
Identity questions
If you see patterns now, writing later becomes 10x easier.
Week 4: Plan Recommendation Letters (Don’t Ask Yet)
Know exactly who you’ll ask in September.
Choose teachers who:
Know you well (not just gave you an A)
Taught you recently (junior year is ideal)
Can speak about your personality, not just grades
Make a shortlist:
Pick 2 main teachers + 1 backup
You don’t need to “grind” all summer.
You just need to be a little intentional now so you’re not overwhelmed later.
Future-you (the one applying in October) will be very grateful.
And present-you still gets a summer. Win-win.