Summer College Planning Tips for all Grades!

Freshman Tips

June Tips

• Looking for ways to earn money and get a glimpse into the world of work? Babysitting, lawn mowing, car washing, tutoring, painting or dog-walking are all great ways to get started.
• Will you be attending summer camp on a college campus? If so, take time to look around and think about whether it's a school you'd attend. When you get home, research the college online.
• Talk to others who've been there. Family members, friends, teachers, school counselors and coaches may love to tell you about their college experiences.

July Tips

• During your summer break, take part in hobbies and activities that tie to your career interests. Don't forget to update your activities portfolio.
• Begin making a list of colleges to look into.
• Don't be afraid to change your career goals as you learn more about yourself and the world of work. Just remember to continue working toward your goals.
• Read more! Reading is one of the best ways to improve your grades, and you can do it practically anywhere. Ask your local librarian for ideas on books to read this summer or read reviews online.

 Sophomore Tips

June Tips

• Compare different careers. Look at things like required education, daily tasks and starting salary, and think about what appeals to you the most.
• Update your summer reading list. Try to choose challenging subjects or books about careers or hobbies. For ideas, search online for "college prep reading list."
• Explore careers in line with your hobbies and interests. Maybe you could earn a living someday doing something you love!

July Tips

• Begin making a list of colleges that you want to look into.
• Will you be attending summer camp on a college campus? If so, look around and think about whether it's a school you'd like to attend. When you get home, look at the college online.
• Put some of your summer job earnings into a college savings account.

 Junior Tips

June Tips

• Begin applying for scholarships. Find Iowa scholarship opportunities and links to searches, as well as tips for essay writing, on the ICAN website.
• Beware of credit card offers. It's easy to quickly get in over your head. Talk to your parents about offers and if any of the cards are right for you.
• If you haven't visited all of the colleges on your list, schedule a college visit.
• Use the Internet to get information on your preferred colleges.
• Finalize your college choices. Look especially at the features that are most important to you.

July Tips

• Get ready for your senior year! Start thinking about how to manage your time. Remember that you should focus on keeping your grades up, filling out applications and selecting a college despite the distractions.
• Polish your resume, and if needed, get together writing samples, portfolios or audition tapes.
• Plan to attend Iowa Private College Week in the fall. If you visit three or more participating colleges during the week, the colleges will waive admission application fees. To find out more, ask a school counselor or go to www.thinkindependently.com. Information is also posted on participating colleges' websites.
• Think about which teachers, employers or other adults you'll ask to write letters of recommendation. Ask for letters at least two weeks before you need them. Plan to ask at the very beginning of the school year.

Senior Tips

June Tips

• Find out if your college offers orientation sessions and if so, plan to attend.
• Let your college's financial aid office know about any scholarships you've received that weren't part of the college's financial aid package.
• Ask your high school to send your final transcript to the college you've chosen.
• Save money from your summer job. You'll be glad you did.

July Tips

• Attend any orientation sessions that your college offers. They're a great opportunity to meet people and get to know the campus.
• Turn in any loan applications and promissory notes if you haven't already done so.
• Contact your roommate. Get to know each other and start planning for your room. Decide who will bring the fridge, microwave, TV and other shared items.
• Beware of credit card offers! It's easy to get in over your head. You may, however, want one card for emergencies. Discuss options with your parents and be sure to educate yourself.

*Note: The FAFSA and EZ FAFSA are free forms that may be completed without professional assistance via paper or electronic forms provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

Parent Tips

June Tip

• Include a few college campuses in any summer travel, or plan to visit those nearby with your student. Allow them to get a feel for the different environments and options available.

Taken from the Iowa College Access network: http://www.icansucceed.org/en/the_resource_zone/college_planning_tips/