Get Ready, Class of 2027: Application Season Has Arrived

On Thursday, June 4, the Class of 2027 will officially begin their college application process while attending the College Application Prep Day with the College Counseling Team. During this all-day conference, hosted on campus, students will create their Common Application account, begin work on their activities lists and the essay-writing process, and learn how best to approach the college’s supplemental essays. 

 

Summer is a crucial time for students to make a dent in their application creation. The most efficient way to do this is to work on their primary Common App essay (Personal Statement) and/or the University of California application “Personal Insight Questions” (PIQs). Having a draft of either their essay or PIQs (or better yet, both) will allow them to focus their time on other things in the first semester of senior year, such as academics, homework, extracurriculars, college supplements, and just enjoying their senior year. The college counselors are available over the summer to help them find their story, review drafts, or anything else they need as they dive deeper into the essay process.

 

Not all schools will require or request a resume; however, it can come in handy when filling out the activities section of the application. The activities section for the Common Application and the UC application differ. For instance, the Common App only allows 150 characters for the description, whereas the UC application allows 350.

 

It can also be helpful to share their resume with their college counselor or teachers who are writing letters of recommendation on their behalf. 

 

If you are planning a family vacation, sports camp, or summer program, try to visit a college along the way. If official campus tours are already at capacity, take a self-guided tour. Or, better yet, go to the Admissions office/visitor center and see if you can join a scheduled tour as a walk-on (often there are no-shows). Get to know the area, and make sure to stop by the admissions office to check in, especially at the schools that track demonstrated interest. Don’t know which colleges may track? You can ask them directly to hear it from the source.

 

The summer is a great time to visit local schools. Sure, there are those who might not want to stay in San Diego for college, but we have five fantastic four-year higher-ed institutions right in our backyard that can help narrow down college search criteria: CSU San Marcos, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego State University, UC San Diego, and the University of San Diego. This will help identify traits you like (or don’t like) in college. Get a group of friends together to visit some.

 

You have worked so hard over the year that you need to rest, recharge, and be a kid. Enjoy the time with your friends and family, and get excited for the next school year. We don’t want you burned out before you even start the process!