July College Readiness Newsletter for High School Families

July is the last month of the summer before senior year, and the students who use it well walk into August in a categorically different position from those who deferred the work. This newsletter covers the specific things worth doing right now.

The personal statement: aim for a complete draft by August

If you started brainstorming in June, July is when the essay should move from outline to draft to revised draft. A complete, reviewed draft of the personal statement by August first means that when the Common App opens, you can paste it in rather than writing it.

The most common mistake in summer essay work is trying to make the draft perfect before showing it to anyone. An imperfect draft that gets feedback is infinitely more useful than a perfect draft that exists only in your head. Write it messy, get feedback, and improve it.

Finalize the college list

By August, the college list should have shape: specific schools in each category with genuine interest behind each name. A list that is vague in July becomes a problem in August when supplemental essay questions require specific knowledge about each school.

Research each school on the list deeply enough to answer: what specific program or aspect of the school interests you, and why? If you cannot answer that question, more research is needed before the school belongs on the final list.

Gather recommendation letter materials

Approach recommendation letter writers in August, but prepare the materials now. Write your brag sheet: a one-page summary of your activities, awards, personal qualities, and goals that the teacher can draw on when writing. Update your activities resume.

Think carefully about which teachers you want to ask. The best recommendation comes from a teacher who knows you well and taught you in a challenging course, not necessarily the most beloved teacher in the school.

For incoming freshmen: the July checklist

Graduates heading to college in August or September should confirm their housing placement and roommate contact information, review any placement test requirements, check the orientation schedule and understand what sessions are mandatory, and set up their college email account. These tasks sound small and are often pushed to the last minute. Completing them in July creates a calmer August.

Financial preparation for college entry

Review the financial aid package one more time if it has been several months since you first received it. Confirm what the payment plan options are and when the first payment is due. For families using 529 plans, confirm that the distribution request process aligns with the payment schedule. Surprises about payment timing in August are avoidable if you review the billing schedule in July.

A note on balance

The summer before senior year is also one of the last long stretches of genuine free time before the demands of senior year and college. Doing the college work in focused bursts of three to four hours a few days a week protects the summer while accomplishing what needs to be done.