By Davidson College

Are you thinking through how to make the most out of summer for the college search and application process?  If so we hope these tips help you to navigate this time period and identify meaningful experiences that you can share with colleges and universities while also helping you prepare for the college application process. 

• Tip 1: Identify opportunities to explore your passions and interests.  You can pursue academic research, summer high school programs facilitated through colleges and universities, community service or employment.

• Tip 2: Participate in virtual visit opportunities with colleges and universities to learn more about each institution you are considering.  Knowing that you cannot visit most schools in person right now many institutions are offering virtual information sessions, campus tours and panels with faculty and staff. Remember colleges and universities want to get to know you.  Virtual programming gives them the opportunity to do so and gives you the chance to show demonstrated interest.

• Tip 3: Explore the fiscal realities of the financial aid process. Colleges and universities offer net price calculators and other tools to help you and your family estimate the potential cost for each institution. Here is a link to the net price calculator and MyinTuition application for Davidson College.

• Tip 4: Prepare for the SAT or ACT. Both exams offer free test prep through the ACT Academy and Official SAT Practice.

• Tip 5: Create your own summer project.  Do you have an interest in learning a new language or how to code? A summer project is a great way to learn something new that you wouldn’t have had the time to explore before.

Along with these ideas it is important to make sure you find balance during the summer. Especially during the unprecedented times we are all experiencing now. Remember colleges and universities understand that your options for summer involvement may be limited and that is completely out of your control. If you use this time to explore colleges and universities virtually, learn more about your academic passions and prepare for the college application process it is also important to find time for the activities and people that keep you grounded.