The summer before senior year has traditionally beckoned students to get lost in some well-earned vacation time, taking a break from the structure and demands of the junior year sprint. This summer, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a wait-and-see atmosphere that has compounded the temptation to let future planning slide.

In this constantly changing landscape, there is comfort and empowerment in having concrete tasks that will help your student stay organized and ensure they are not overwhelmed once the school year begins. Give your senior this checklist of tasks to complete before the school year begins. Completing these tasks early will reduce stress and help your family enjoy your child’s last year of high school

1. Create a well-researched and balanced college list.

Thoroughly explore college websites, including virtual tours, student news, admissions blogs, academic offerings and student life. Video resources such as Campus Reel provide authentic glimpses of campus life through students’ eyes and words. Current students and alumni are often available to answer questions, so contact admissions and ask to speak to a former or current student. Your list should include a balance of safety, target, and reach colleges.

2. Consider registering for the ACT or SAT.

The pandemic has altered the role of standardized testing in admissions, forcing many colleges to adopt test optional admissions policies. However, test optional does not mean test blind. Even at a test optional college, high test scores can help an applicant get accepted. Many colleges have traditionally used SAT and ACT scores as a determinant in awarding merit aid. The College Spy recommends that you contact each college admissions office directly for up-to-date information on whether standardized test scores are needed to be considered for merit aid or university specific scholarships. If you decide to take the SAT or ACT, spend some time on test prep. Free resources and sample tests are available for both the SAT and ACT to help you prepare.

3. Keep a calendar.

Record all application-related deadlines including scholarships, interview appointments and test dates. Colleges use different application deadlines depending on the type of application you choose to submit. Here is a guide to the various application deadlines. It is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of these deadlines and plan accordingly. Use the calendar app in your phone and set reminders and alerts so you don’t miss any deadlines. Consider making a visual calendar which will allow you to see the big picture as it unfolds and plan your time.

4. Fill out the Common Application.

If the schools on your list use the Common Application, create an account and review the entire application so you understand the task ahead of you. Allow time to craft a vibrant activities list. Use the 150-character space wisely, choosing active verbs and quantifiable facts to illustrate your qualifications. Use the additional information section to provide information that was not included in the other parts of your application. The application is your place to stand up as tall as possible. Don’t compromise because you have left it to the last minute.

5. Complete your personal statement and supplemental essays.

The essay is one part of your application that is still completely within your control. Your grades for the first three years of high school, test scores and your activities are mostly set by the time you reach senior year. The essay is an opportunity to share your beliefs, motivations and the essence of your character with college admissions officers. It is your chance to show who you are, in the context of fitting into and giving back to a new community. Take your time and think about what you will contribute to campus and what qualities, values and character traits motivate you to succeed. Students who need assistance telling their unique story should consider The College Spy’s Essay Package.

6. Register with colleges on their websites.

Filling out the registration form will automatically add you to a college’s email list and this is how they will communicate with you. Things are changing quickly, and you want to receive new information without having to dig for it. By registering, you will also be demonstrating interest (discussed below) which can be an important step in getting accepted to college.

7. Create a FSA ID.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form required to determine eligibility for financial aid. The first step in filling out the FAFSA is to create an FSA ID. Your parent will need to create a separate FSA ID. If you are not sure if your family will qualify for financial aid, you can fill out the FASFA4caster. The information provided by the FAFSA4caster will can help you and your family determine whether the schools on your list will be affordable.

8. Ask for letters of recommendation.

You will need letters of recommendation from two teachers and your school counselor. Consider carefully which teachers to ask for a recommendation. Contact each recommender and ask if you can meet with them in person, by phone, or video chat. Respectfully ask if they would be willing to write a recommendation and if you could provide some helpful information in the form of a resume or brag sheet that lists your achievements and qualities.

9. Demonstrate interest to the colleges on your list.

A key step in the college admissions process is showing colleges that you are interested in attending. Colleges know that students who have “demonstrated interest” are more likely to attend if accepted. Colleges prefer to accept students who are likely to enroll because accepting these students allows colleges to accept the least number of students to fill their freshmen classes. The fewer students the colleges accept, the more selective they appear and the higher they place in college rankings like those published by US News and World Report. Colleges use sophisticated data and predictive analytics to determine which applicants are likely to enroll. Show your intention to enroll by opening emails from colleges, following their social media platforms, writing optional essays and attending optional interviews. Here is a checklist of additional ways you can demonstrate interest to the schools on your short list.

10. Make sure you have fulfilled all course requirements necessary to be admitted to the colleges and programs on your college list.

November of senior year is not the best time to find out you fell short of being qualified to apply for a scholarship or specialized major. Meet with your high school counselor as early as possible to check you have all the courses you need. Let your counselor know your future plans and the colleges on your list so he/she can advise you on college-specific and program-specific requirements.

Last but not least, you and your student should consider The College Spy’s Boot Camp. The end of summer and beginning of the school year is often a stressful time of year for high school seniors. The college application process is complicated and full of important details. The College Spy is hosting a college application boot camp in September to assist students in jumpstarting the college application process. In three live, interactive, virtual sessions, we will guide a small group of students (limited to 5 per boot camp) through every part of the Common Application and make sure they understand the tasks to be completed and the application timeline. More information about The College Spy Boot Camp can be found here.

The College Spy is a full service independent educational consulting firm that assists students and families across the US and internationally with the college selection and application process. Follow The College Spy on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and on The College Spy Podcast.