Rising Seniors: What to Do in July Before College Applications Open

Senior year gets busy quickly.

Between classes, activities, work, sports, homecoming and college deadlines, it can feel like everything starts happening at once. That is why July is such a good time to take a few small steps before the school year begins.

This month is not about finishing every application. It is about making the process easier on yourself later. Start by getting organized, visiting a few campuses and thinking through what you want in a college.

Here is what rising seniors can do in July before college application season begins.

1. start sorting your college list

Your college list does not need to be final in July, but it should start becoming more intentional.

If you have a long list of schools, use this month to figure out which ones are truly worth your time and attention. Look at academic programs, location, campus size, student support, outcomes, cost and the kind of community you want to be part of.

If your list feels too long, start sorting it with questions that actually help you make decisions:

1. Which schools offer the academic path I am most interested in, or give me room to explore if I am undecided?
2. Where can I picture myself feeling comfortable, supported and challenged?
3. Which colleges match the kind of campus experience I want, both inside and outside the classroom?
4. Which schools would I be excited to visit, apply to or learn more about?

As you narrow your list, use this downloadable college comparison matrix to keep track of what matters most at each school.

2. MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER COLLEGE VISITS

A summer college visit can still tell you a lot, even when most students are away from campus.

Use your campus tour to look beyond the buildings. Pay attention to the spaces that shape student life: classrooms, residence halls, dining areas, study spots, athletic facilities, student support offices and the places where students gather when campus is full.

Your student tour guide is one of your best resources. Ask what campus feels like during the semester, where students spend time between classes, how easy it is to get involved and what helped them decide the college was the right fit.

After the visit, write down a few notes before the details blend together:

• What stood out?
• What questions do you still have?
• Could you picture yourself learning, living and getting involved there?

A summer campus tour should help you do more than see a college. It should help you understand whether the academic programs, community and student experience match what you want from the next four years.

3. put every important date in one place

Once senior year starts, college deadlines can get mixed in with homework, games, practices, work schedules and senior events.

Use July to create one place for every important college date. Include:

• Application deadlines
• Scholarship deadlines
• Financial aid and FAFSA dates, when available
• Testing dates, if applicable
• Campus visit dates
• Any reminders for materials you need to request, like transcripts or recommendation letters

This does not need to be complicated. A notes app, calendar, spreadsheet or planner all work. The goal is to make sure nothing important is sitting in your head only.

When application season gets busy, you will be glad you have one place to check.

4. start with your story, not the perfect essay

The college essay feels easier when you stop treating it like one huge assignment.

Start by making a quick list of moments, experiences or responsibilities that have shaped you. Think about times when you learned something, changed your mind, solved a problem, stepped up, helped someone or started to see yourself differently.

Then, look for the meaning behind the moment. The strongest essay topic is not always your biggest accomplishment. It is often the story that helps a college understand how you think, what you care about and what kind of person you are becoming.

Once you have a few ideas, choose one and start writing without worrying about the final version. A messy first draft is much easier to work with than a blank page.

5. prepare for recommendation letters

You may not be ready to ask for recommendation letters yet, but July is a good time to prepare.

Start by thinking about who knows you well enough to write about more than your grade in a class. The strongest letters often come from teachers, counselors, coaches, employers or mentors who have seen your effort, growth, character or leadership.

It also helps to create a simple brag sheet before senior year begins. This can include your:

• Activities and Extracurriculars
• Jobs
• Volunteer and Service work
• Leadership roles
• Awards
• Goals
• Intended major or Career interests
• A few moments from high school that show who you are

You can also include anything you hope your recommender highlights, such as your work ethic, creativity, resilience, kindness or growth.

When you are ready to ask, give your recommender plenty of time, share your brag sheet and be clear about deadlines. A thoughtful recommendation letter is easier to write when the person has the details they need.

6. update your activity list

Before applications open, take time to write down how you have spent your time in high school.

Include clubs, sports, jobs, volunteer work, family responsibilities, leadership roles, awards, hobbies and anything else that has been meaningful to you. Do not leave something out just because it did not happen in a classroom!

Colleges want to understand who you are, what you care about and how you contribute to the communities around you.

Starting this list now will make the application process easier later, especially when you need to remember dates, roles and accomplishments.

7. start talking about cost and scholarships

College cost can feel like a big topic, but avoiding it does not make it easier.

Use July to review tuition, scholarship opportunities, financial aid information and important dates for the colleges on your list. You may not know your final cost yet, but you can start to understand what each school offers and what steps you may need to take.

This is also a good time to talk with your family about expectations, questions and what feels realistic as you continue your college search.

Having these conversations early can help you build a college list that makes sense academically, personally and financially.

8. Get extra help before senior year starts

You do not have to figure out the college application process by yourself.

Summer is a good time to look for application workshops, essay sessions or college application bootcamps that can help you get organized before senior year gets busy. These programs can be especially helpful if you are not sure where to start, how to manage deadlines, what colleges are looking for or how to turn your ideas into a stronger application.

Siena's Get It Done: FREE College Application Summer Bootcamp is one example. The free bootcamp starts July 20, 2026, and by signing up, this is what you'll get:

• A beautiful college journal gift
• Access to live Zooms with insider info straight from admissions experts (Can't make the lives? We'll send you the recordings)
• Free essay review by our writing experts
• Templates, tips and checklists on every part of the application
• Optional practice interview and step-by-step guidance on the Common App
• Exclusive content for parents, too

Even one workshop or support session can make the next step feel clearer!

make the most of your summer!

July is your chance to create a stronger starting point. Choose a few steps that feel realistic this month. Sort your college list. Visit a campus. Write down important dates. Start thinking about your essay. Ask for help when you need it.

Senior year will move quickly, but a little preparation this summer can help you feel more confident when college application season begins.

SCHEDULE A VISIT REGISTER FOR APP BOOTCAMP