Summer is the perfect time to get a head start on your college application. While it might be tempting to avoid thinking about academics on your break, investing some time now can significantly boost your chances of getting into your dream school. Here are five simple steps to help you enhance your college application this summer.

1. Organize and Review your Activities

If you’re applying to colleges in countries where extracurricular activities are a crucial part of the application, now is the time to review your involvement from the university’s perspective. Ask yourself: Are my activities related to what I want to study? Have I been involved in my school and community? Has what I have been involved with help me to stand out in a competitive application?

For those applying to UK universities, focus on activities that showcase your interest in your chosen field of study. On the other hand, US universities appreciate a variety of activities, so don’t hesitate to include a range of interests. If you notice any gaps, plan to add other activities that meet these requirements. Summer internships, volunteer work, or even online courses can be excellent additions.

2. Develop a Realistic Set of Schools

It’s common for students and parents to focus only on famous, highly-ranked schools. However, in the search for your perfect school it’s important to consider a broader range of institutions. Rankings shouldn’t be the only factor, and I know many college counselors that encourage students and families to not consult rankings at all. Instead, visualize yourself at each school and think about what meets your personal and academic needs.

Research each school thoroughly and identify why it’s a good fit for you. Be prepared to write about these reasons in your application. Given the increasing competitiveness of college admissions, ensure your list includes safety, target, and reach schools, all of which you would be happy to attend. Discuss your list with your school counselor, who can provide insights about your chances based on the application history at your school.

3. Start Working on Various Application Systems

Familiarize yourself with different application systems like the Common Application (Common App), UCAS, and the OUAC. Create accounts now and start filling in sections to get used to the format. The Common App, in particular, can be time-consuming, so starting early will help reduce stress later on.

4. Focus on Your Essays

The essay portion of applications can often feel daunting. Starting to plan now will make you feel more prepared when it comes time to submit your application. The Common App essay topics are already available, so choose one and begin outlining your response. While the essay should be your work, it’s okay to seek some editing and feedback to strengthen it. Choose a topic that is meaningful to you, as authenticity resonates with admissions officers.

Remember, the main Common App essay isn’t the most crucial part of your application. However, supplementary essays for specific schools often carry more weight. Competitive schools will likely require one or two additional essays. These essays should clearly articulate why you’re a good fit for the school and why you want to attend. Doing thorough research on each school will help you answer these prompts with ease.

5. Plan for Letters of Recommendation

If you haven’t already decided who to ask for letters of recommendation, summer is a great time to do so. Think about which teachers know you well and can support you strongly, especially those related to your intended field of study.

Provide your recommenders with as much information as possible to help them write strong letters. Share details about your activities, goals, and community involvement. Your school might have a form to fill out for this purpose. Teachers see you in the classroom, but they need a fuller picture to write the best possible letter.

Be Kind to Your Future Self

Academic performance in the last year of high school is crucial. By following these five steps, you can get a head start on your applications and set yourself up to focus on your academic goals. Starting early and staying organized will not only improve your chances of admission but also reduce your stress as application deadlines approach. Use this summer wisely, and you’ll thank yourself later!