As the wily high school rebel Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” And while we don’t officially condone skipping school like Bueller does, we can agree that life moves pretty fast — and with it comes deadlines, decisions, and a whole lot of pressure.
Here’s the good news: by tackling a few key steps before the school year starts, you can totally reduce stress and still set yourself up for a more confident college application season. If only we could tell Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane that cutting class isn’t the only way to kick back… with the right planning, you can both get the work done and relax in style.
Cue the parade and confetti!
Ready to find your chill? This senior year checklist outlines the top 10 things every rising senior should do before that first bell rings. Whether you’re aiming for Early Decision, prepping for the FAFSA, or still narrowing your list, these steps will give you the head start you need to stay cool without blowing off your chances.
Let’s dive in — because the earlier you start, the more in control you’ll be.
Now is the time to start
What should seniors do before school starts for the year? There’s a lot to do and only so much time. So stay focused, friends: it’s time to lock in.
Here’s a shortlist of the 10 most important things to tackle.
- Finalize your college list.
- Start your main college essay.
- Brainstorm and draft supplemental essays.
- Confirm your letters of recommendation.
- Prepare a resume or brag sheet.
- Make a plan for standardized tests.
- Visit (or revisit) colleges.
- Prepare financial aid materials.
- Map out your application deadlines.
- Make the most of your summer.
Now, let’s go through the list one by one and break it all down.
#1. Finalize your college list
Before the chaos of classes and homework kicks in, take the time to research and narrow down your college choices. Let’s finalize that college list!
If you’re looking for a good foundational explanation for beginners, this free eBook walks you through every step and nuance of the college search process.
Ultimately, you want to aim for a balanced list that includes:
- Reach schools (the more competitive options, where the average GPA/test scores are above yours)
- Target or match schools (a good academic fit for you, where you meet the typical student profile)
- Safety schools (where your academic profile exceeds average admits)
For most students, elite universities like Stanford or the Ivy Leagues are considered a “reach” while large public schools like Arizona State would be considered target or safe.
As you go through this search, research the location, size, cost, majors offered, and campus culture. Check whether they offer Early Decision or Early Action applications — and flag any extra requirements like the CSS Profile or unique supplements.
#2. Start your main college essay
Don’t wait until mid-semester to begin your personal statement. As this student explains, these essays are simply too important to rush:
Long story short? You definitely don’t want to take the chance of hitting writer’s block at the last minute.
Drafting your main essay early gives you time to:
- Brainstorm ideas that feel authentic
- Write multiple drafts and catch last-minute errors
- Ask for feedback from teachers or counselors
After all, colleges want to hear your authentic voice — not a polished biography, but a meaningful story about your perspective, growth, or values.
#3. Brainstorm and draft supplemental essays
Many competitive colleges require school-specific supplemental essays. It’s best to start developing your outlines now, so you can ensure you don’t use the same experiences over and over.
Common themes for supplemental essays include:
- “Why this college?”
- “Describe a community you belong to.”
- “What academic interests excite you?”
If you’re not sure how to answer these types of prompts, check out this helpful video from Empowerly counselor Jermaine:
Though shorter, these essays require just as much thought as your main essay. Get a head start by brainstorming and writing your templates now, especially for colleges you’re confident about applying to.
If your essay topic is relevant to more than one application, you can recycle the writing strategically; just be sure to tailor it to each school, even when the themes overlap.
#4. Confirm your letters of recommendation
Before school starts, take some personal time to think about which teachers or mentors know you best. Who would you feel comfortable asking for a letter of recommendation?
There are exceptions, but most schools require:
- 1-2 academic teachers (sometimes, from core subjects)
- 1 counselor recommendation
Sometimes, you have the option to submit more recommendations from coaches, mentors, or extracurricular leaders.
Once you’ve identified the teachers and counselors who can provide strong recommendations, email or talk with them early. Ideally, you can provide them with a brag sheet (a list of activities, awards, interests, and other personal details) to help them write a stronger and more personalized recommendation.
Why approach your recommenders early? If you ask before the school year rush begins, they will have time to reflect — and you won’t be competing with every other senior.
#5. Prepare a resume or brag sheet
Even if colleges don’t specifically ask you to submit a resume, it’s helpful to keep one handy throughout the process (honestly, throughout the rest of your senior year).
Why? Your resume will:
- Easily summarize extracurricular activities, jobs, leadership roles, and awards
- Help recommenders and interviewers understand your accomplishments
- Make filling out the Activities section of the Common App easier
Starting from scratch? Format it cleanly, stick to 1 page, and be honest. Don’t exaggerate — it’s not good practice, for one thing, and you may be asked to explain or elaborate on the story in interviews, which could get awkward.
#6. Make a plan for standardized tests
Even though many colleges are test-optional, some still require or recommend submitting SAT/ACT scores — especially for merit scholarships or certain majors. If you are planning to take them, it’s best to start getting organized now.
If you’re still testing, then schedule or retake the SAT/ACT if needed this fall. When you pick an exam date, make sure you have time to study using official practice materials and prepare for them adequately.
If you’re done testing, double-check your score reporting strategy and make sure the reports get sent to your final list of schools.
#7. Visit (or revisit) colleges
If you haven’t already, visit the schools at the top of your list — or revisit ones you’re deciding between.
Seeing the campuses in person can:
- Help you picture life there
- Inform your supplemental essays
- Demonstrate interest in admissions
Can’t visit in person? Many colleges offer virtual tours, webinars, and live Q&As on their websites so you can still join in on the fun. Whenever you attend an event, try to sign in (on a list, or digitally) to get credit for showing interest.
#8. Prepare financial aid materials
Even though the FAFSA doesn’t open until October 1, it’s smart to get organized now.
Here’s what you can do:
- Create an FSA ID so you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to be considered for financial aid.
- Know which schools require the CSS Profile (and what materials you’ll need).
- Gather tax returns, bank info, and household income documentation (avoid scrambling for these details later).
Still have time? Start searching for scholarships that match your profile! Many scholarships have summer deadlines, and early money adds up.
#9. Map out your application deadlines
Before too much more time passes, you’ll want to create a college application calendar. There are a lot of moving parts in this process, and you need to keep track of a lot of deadlines.
Here’s one college counselor’s explanation of why your summer is the best time to create your overall application plan:
As you enter these dates, give yourself at least a day or two for a buffer. You may need the extra time for last-minute edits, reviews, or tech hiccups, and you don’t want to end up stressed out at 11:59 PM!
Include key milestones like:
- Early Decision and Early Action deadlines
- FAFSA and CSS Profile deadlines
- School-specific application or scholarship due dates
Looking for a way to share between family members? Try using a Google Calendar or spreadsheet (or Empowerly’s college planning tools) to stay on track and updated with the latest changes.
#10. Make the most of your summer
Yes — college prep is a priority. But so is recharging before a big academic year. Use your summer wisely so you can hit the ground running when you get back.
Summer options:
- Pursue an independent project or internship
- Volunteer in your community
- Read something (or listen to music) that inspires you
- Spend time with friends and family
- Reflect on who you are and who you’re becoming
Remember, admissions officers want to see depth and curiosity, not perfection. Even a summer job or small project that’s meaningful to you can show initiative and character.
Totally stuck for ideas? Try one of the following to shake up your routine.
- Start your own small business (Depop? Etsy?)
- Take a free online course (like Yale’s “The Science of Wellbeing”)
- Launch a digital passion project (blog, podcast, portfolio)
When the school year starts, keep up the momentum
Just because school is back in session doesn’t mean your college prep work ends. In fact, how you manage your time during senior year will speak volumes to admissions officers about how ready you are for the rigor of college.
Stay strong academically
Keep up with your classes, stay organized, and aim for consistent performance. Many colleges will review your first semester grades, so finishing strong will reinforce everything you’ve already submitted.
Stay involved
Whether you’re leading a club, volunteering, participating in sports, or exploring a new interest, extracurricular involvement adds dimension to your application. And more importantly, it helps you stay connected, motivated, and inspired during a busy year.
Our advice? Treat senior year like a sprint and a marathon – keep pacing yourself even after applications are in.
Want even more guidance as you move through your last year of high school? Here’s a great checklist for everything you’ll need to do this year! Download your full student checklist today.
You’re more prepared than you think
Senior year is a big deal — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With this senior year checklist in hand, you’re already ahead of the game. By getting organized and starting early, you’ll free up time during the school year for the things that matter: meaningful academics, deep relationships, and following your heart!
Want a personalized plan for your senior year and beyond? Empowerly’s expert college counselors help students create strategic application timelines, refine essays, and find the right-fit schools. Book your consultation today and take control of your college journey.
