College Planning Tips for June

Don’t snooze on your future just because it's poolside season.

School’s almost out, the sun’s out, and your brain...probably halfway to vacation mode. But before you totally zone out and head to the beach or other summer fun, let’s talk about something that won’t happen without thought and action: your college game plan.

Whether you’re a rising senior gearing up for your last year at high school, or you’ve already graduated and are about to start your college era (!!!), we’ve got some quick and easy-to-follow tips to keep you on track and feeling less stressed this summer.

Seniors: You’re In! Now What?

First of all, congrats! 🎉 You made it through the college app chaos and decision season. Now comes the part where you actually prepare to go.

Here’s what’s on your June checklist:

✅ Read the fine print
No, seriously… read everything your college sends you. Emails, packets, portals. Don’t ignore anything that starts with “Important Info About Orientation.” Some schools will want you to register for orientation or submit final forms online. It’s like an RSVP - don’t ghost it.

✅ Send that final transcript
Your college needs your final grades. Ask your high school to send them now so you won’t panic mid-summer, wondering if you’re actually enrolled.

✅ Got scholarships or grants? Tell your school.
If you’re receiving any outside scholarships, let your college’s financial aid office know so they can factor that into your outstanding balance and apply it to your tuition bill, so your tuition bill will show those scholarships as pending credits. 

✅ Money moves
If you haven’t already, look into when your first bill is due - tuition, housing, meal plan, etc. Then figure out what needs to be covered and how. Make a plan.

✅ Get a summer gig or volunteer
Besides padding your wallet, working or volunteering gives you real-world experience and maybe helps you figure out what you want to study. Bonus points if you save some of that paycheck for textbooks or coffee funds.

✅ Start your dorm checklist
Trust us, when August arrives, before you know it, you will be glad you started early. List out the essentials, check out our list of underrated dorm items, and start planning your Target haul or Amazon wish list!

✅ Make a fun summer bucket list, too
You deserve a little fun before the next big chapter. Don’t forget to schedule beach days, a trip to the water park with friends, and maybe a "college-themed" shopping spree with your family.

Juniors: Senior Year Is Calling 📞

Rising seniors, listen up! Now’s the time to lay down the groundwork for a way-less-stressful fall.  Here’s your to-do list before hitting full vacation mode:

✅ Ask for letters of recommendation before school’s out
Seriously, do it now. Ask teachers you’ve had for a while. Bonus: if they saw you glow up from shy underclassman to an absolute scholar. Please give them your resume and a reminder of that killer project or paper you crushed. They’ll write you a better letter if they know what made you shine.

✅ Start building that brag sheet (aka your resume)
Volunteering, work experience, and academic summer programs all count. Use summer to rack up cool experiences and college app talking points.

✅ Work = $$$ = college fund
A summer job means you can start saving now. Even if it’s part-time, your future self will thank you when it's time to buy that $200 textbook. 🙃

✅ Register for the Common App
Get ahead by setting up your Common App account and exploring what’s required. It's accepted by 1,000+ schools, so odds are at least a few of your top picks are on it. No essay-writing yet—just getting set up is a win.

✅ Start a college list (for real)
Make a spreadsheet, a Pinterest board, or a Notes app list of schools that interest you. Visit a few campuses if you can. Take notes. Stalk their Instagram. You get the idea.

✅ Bonus Tip: Journal about what you want
This may sound deep, but trust, reflecting on what you want in a college experience (big vs small, city vs rural, etc.),  helps guide your search. You want your college to match you as a person!

All in all 

Summer is for relaxing… but it’s also prime time to prep for the next big chapter. So yes, enjoy the beach, the bonfires, and the ice cream. But in between, make some moves that Future You will thank you for.

Need help? Book a free appointment with the College Planning Center. We’ll help you stay on track without killing your vacation mood. 😎

Click here to schedule your CPC appointment. We’re here all summer!