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Smart Steps for College Admissions Success – Without the Stress
If you're the parent of a high school junior, here's the truth no one tells you: April and May can make or break your student's senior year. Not academically—though, yes, they should still turn in their homework—but in terms of college admissions prep.
The families who start early? They glide into senior year with confidence. The ones who wait until fall? Let’s just say there’s a reason coffee sales spike in October.
So, let’s talk about how to use the next two months strategically—starting now through the end of the school year—to set your teen up for a smoother, saner senior year and a stronger college application.
Before Spring Break: Lay the Groundwork
These weeks are all about setting the foundation. Here's what your teen should be doing right now:
Nail Down a Testing Plan
SAT or ACT? Do they need to retake it? Are you going test-optional? This is the moment to look at your student’s scores (or schedule that first test) and create a clear plan. No more guesswork.
Pro Tip: If they haven’t taken a diagnostic for both tests, now’s the time.
Create a College List (Version 1.0)
Your teen doesn’t need to have their final list locked in, but they do need a starting point. Think 8–12 schools, a mix of reach, target, and likely. This list will guide everything from essay topics to campus visits to application costs.
Bonus: Having a rough list helps you estimate potential scholarships and financial aid.
Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
Teachers get flooded with requests in the fall. Asking early (and politely) is a smart way to make sure your kid gets a thoughtful letter—not a rushed paragraph.
Resume or Activities List
Start tracking awards, leadership roles, community service, and jobs. This doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to be accurate. A running list now saves time (and stress) later.
Between Spring Break and Summer: Shift into Strategy Mode
This is when things get real—but manageable.
Finalize Summer Plans
Colleges love to see productive summers. That doesn’t mean fancy programs that cost a fortune. Jobs, internships, volunteering, personal projects—they all count. Just make sure your student does something.
Got a student who loves art, coding, or helping animals? There’s a way to turn that into a standout summer experience. (Hint: I help with that.)
Start Brainstorming the Personal Statement
No essays yet—just reflection. What makes your student them? What moments in their life shaped them? What are their values? Start asking big questions over dinner (or in the car when they can’t escape).
The best personal statements start with stories—not stats.
Visit Colleges (In-Person or Virtually)
Spring break is ideal for campus visits. If travel isn’t in the cards, many schools offer excellent virtual tours. Help your student observe what feels right.
Talk Finances
It’s never too early to talk money. How much can you realistically afford? Are you aiming for merit aid? Start that conversation now, not when acceptance letters arrive.
What Comes Next
By the time summer starts, your teen should have:
A solid college list
A brag-worthy activities list
At least one teacher lined up for recommendations
A clear testing plan (or be totally done!)
Some personal statement ideas percolating
From there, they can use the summer to write essays and prep for Aug 1, when the Common App opens and things get real.
Want the Full Roadmap Without the Overwhelm?
This blog is just the tip of the admissions iceberg. I’ve helped dozens of families turn confusion into clarity—without hiring a $20,000 consultant.
If you want expert-level strategies, custom timelines, and real answers to your biggest questions, stick around. Or better yet—check out my course designed just for parents like you.
Your student’s senior year doesn’t have to be a whirlwind. The work starts now—and I’m here to help.
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