What to Do the Summer Before Senior Year

The summer before senior year is one of the most important times in high school—it’s your chance to prepare for college, boost your resume, and reduce stress before applications roll in. Focus on finishing college applications, taking SAT/ACT practice tests, securing summer jobs or internships, and scheduling senior portraits. Don’t forget to relax and enjoy time with friends too!

Key Takeaways

• Finish college applications: Complete FAFSA, Common App, and scholarship forms so you’re ready when deadlines hit.
• Prepare for standardized tests: Take SAT/ACT practice tests and consider prep courses if needed.
• Secure a summer job or internship: Gain real-world experience that strengthens your college applications.
• Schedule senior portraits: Book sessions early to avoid rush and capture memories before graduation.
• Stay organized: Use planners or digital tools to track deadlines for apps, transcripts, and recommendations.
• Take care of yourself: Prioritize sleep, exercise, and mental health during this busy season.

The summer before senior year isn’t just another break—it’s your final chance to shape how colleges see you. Think of it as your launchpad: this is when you finalize applications, strengthen your profile, and set yourself apart from the crowd. Whether you’re aiming for Ivy Leagues or local universities, every move you make now pays off later. Plus, getting ahead means less panic during the stressful fall semester.

This period also gives you space to reflect on your goals. What kind of student were you? What did you love about high school? And where do you want to go from here? Use these few months wisely by balancing hard work with fun. After all, you’ve earned it after three years of dedication. Let’s dive into exactly what you should do this summer to make your senior year (and beyond) as smooth—and successful—as possible.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding what to do the summer before senior year: Provides essential knowledge

1. Finish Your College Applications

One of the biggest advantages of summer is having uninterrupted time to polish your college essays and submit everything on time. Many students wait until September to start applying, but that leaves little room for revisions or unexpected delays. By tackling this now, you’ll feel confident come application season.

Start with the FAFSA. It opens in October, but creating an account and gathering documents like tax returns, W-2s, and bank statements now will save you hours later. Next, begin working on the Common Application if you plan to apply to multiple schools. Fill out each section carefully, proofread twice, and ask teachers or counselors early for recommendation letters.

Don’t overlook supplemental essays—some schools require them. Tailor them to fit each institution’s mission and values. For example, if you’re passionate about environmental science, highlight relevant coursework or volunteer work in your essay for a green-focused college.

Also, research scholarship opportunities. Many are due between August and December. Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and your school’s financial aid office list thousands of options. Even small amounts add up!

Finally, keep copies of everything: essays, resumes, transcripts, and confirmation emails. Staying organized now prevents last-minute scrambles. If you’re unsure about any step, talk to your guidance counselor—they’re there to help!

2. Prepare for Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT)

If you haven’t already taken the SAT or ACT, now’s the time to test your readiness. Scores play a big role in admissions decisions, especially for competitive programs. Even if you’ve taken the test once, summer offers a great opportunity to improve.

Begin by taking a diagnostic practice test under timed conditions. This shows you where you stand and reveals weak spots. Review mistakes thoroughly—understanding why you got something wrong beats memorizing answers.

Consider enrolling in an online or in-person prep course if you need structure. Companies like Khan Academy (free), Princeton Review, and Kaplan offer excellent resources. Alternatively, use apps like Magoosh or UWorld for daily drills.

Focus on strategic studying: spend more time on areas that hurt your score the most. For instance, if math is tough, dedicate mornings to algebra and geometry problems. If English feels easy, shift focus to science sections.

Remember, you can retake these tests multiple times. Colleges usually consider your highest composite score, so don’t stress over one bad day. Just stay consistent and track progress weekly.

3. Get a Summer Job or Internship

Earning money while gaining experience sounds like a win-win, and it absolutely is. A summer job teaches responsibility, time management, and teamwork—skills colleges love. Plus, cash flow helps cover application fees, books, or even a weekend trip.

Look for positions at local businesses: cafes, retail stores, libraries, or movie theaters often hire teens. You might even find work through family connections. Retail jobs, in particular, build customer service skills valuable in any career.

For more meaningful exposure, seek out internships. Nonprofits, hospitals, tech startups, or law firms sometimes offer unpaid or low-paid roles for high school seniors. These look fantastic on college apps because they show initiative. Reach out directly via email—polite, concise messages often get responses.

If you’re interested in STEM fields, check out programs like Summer Science Program or virtual coding camps. Arts students could assist local theaters or galleries. Every bit counts toward building a well-rounded profile.

4. Schedule Senior Portraits

Before you know it, you’ll be walking across that stage in cap and gown—don’t let your senior photos wait! Booking a session early ensures better lighting, availability, and prices. Plus, you’ll have professional pictures for yearbooks, college materials, and social media.

Choose locations that reflect your personality. Urban backdrops suit city lovers; nature settings match outdoor enthusiasts. Consider wearing versatile outfits—neutral tones work best for variety shots. Avoid busy weekends when photographers book up fast.

Many studios offer packages including edited digital copies and physical prints. Ask about discounts for booking early or bringing a friend. Some even let you schedule multiple sessions throughout the summer for different moods.

And hey, senior portraits aren’t just for the future—they’re a celebration of who you are right now. Smile big, try new poses, and have fun with it!

5. Stay Healthy and Balanced

Amid all the planning and prep, don’t neglect your well-being. Stress piles up quickly when you’re juggling deadlines, tests, and social life. Make self-care non-negotiable.

Get enough sleep—aim for 7–9 hours nightly. Your brain needs rest to retain information and stay focused. Create a bedtime routine: no screens an hour before bed, maybe some light reading or stretching.

Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a daily walk or home workout. Physical activity reduces anxiety and boosts energy. Join a sports league, take up yoga, or dance to your favorite playlist.

Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated. Skip sugary snacks that crash your energy mid-study session. Meal prep on Sundays to avoid last-minute fast food runs.

Most importantly, talk to someone if feelings of overwhelm creep in. Friends, family, or counselors are always available. You’re not alone in this journey.

6. Plan Your Senior Year Schedule

Use the summer to map out your senior year academically. Meet with your guidance counselor to confirm you’ve met all graduation requirements and understand upcoming deadlines.

Check if you need to take any AP classes or electives that align with your interests or college major. Strong performance in challenging courses signals academic rigor to admissions officers.

Also, review graduation requirements: credits, community service hours, or foreign language proficiency. Completing these early avoids senior-year surprises.

If you’re applying to honors programs or special academies, confirm eligibility criteria now. Some require specific GPA thresholds or teacher recommendations.

Lastly, note important dates: early decision deadlines, scholarship applications, and college visit schedules. Mark them in a calendar app or physical planner so nothing slips through the cracks.

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By following these steps, you’ll enter senior year feeling prepared, calm, and excited—not anxious and rushed. The summer before senior year is your secret weapon for success. Use it wisely, enjoy the process, and trust that your efforts will pay off in the end. You’ve got this!

Pro Tip:

Set aside one day per week for pure relaxation—no apps, no tasks, just doing nothing. This recharges your batteries for the weeks ahead.

Bonus Idea:

Create a vision board with photos of dream colleges, career goals, and travel destinations. Hang it near your study area for motivation!

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Looking ahead? Explore our guide on What Should A Senior Do During The Summer for even more tips tailored to your post-high school plans.

Want to know whether UC schools consider senior grades? Read our article: Do Ucs Look At Senior Year Grades.

Planning your wardrobe for senior pics? Check out: What To Wear For Senior Pictures Style Guide.

Still deciding when to take the SAT? See: Can You Take The Sat In Senior Year.

And finally, don’t forget to celebrate! You’ve worked hard—make this summer count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take the SAT or ACT first?

Take practice tests for both and compare scores. Most students perform better on one consistently. Choose the test where you feel most confident.

How many college applications should I submit?

Aim for 8–12 total—include reach, match, and safety schools. Quality matters more than quantity, so tailor each application thoughtfully.

Can I still join clubs or activities as a senior?

Absolutely! Many seniors participate in leadership roles, sports teams, or volunteer groups. Stay involved—it shows commitment and keeps you connected.

Do colleges look at extracurriculars from summer before senior year?

Yes! Summer experiences like internships, jobs, or programs demonstrate initiative. Include them proudly in your resume or essay.

When should I request recommendation letters?

Ask teachers or mentors by late summer or early fall. Give them at least 4–6 weeks before deadlines to write strong letters.

Is it okay to take a gap year after senior year?

Yes! Many students travel, work full-time, or pursue apprenticeships before college. Just ensure it aligns with your goals and doesn’t delay education unnecessarily.