Kickstarting Your Summer As A 2026 Applicant

The summer before your senior year is an exciting yet pivotal time in your college application journey. As a 2026 applicant, you have the opportunity to take charge of your application preparation while still enjoying a break from the usual academic grind. Below is your comprehensive summer roadmap to set you up for success—focusing on extracurriculars, academics, essays, and self-care. Listen to the full episode on the White Coat Club. 

Extracurriculars: The Final Push

Summer is the perfect time to get the most out of your extracurricular activities. If you haven’t already, make this the season where you take on leadership roles or expand your involvement in activities that matter to you. These leadership experiences will show colleges that you’re not only committed to your interests but that you have the drive to lead and impact others.

• Get hands-on experience: If you can, look for opportunities related to your field of interest, whether that’s internships, research opportunities, or shadowing professionals in your chosen career. Colleges like to see that you’re actively exploring potential career paths, so making these connections this summer can be incredibly valuable.

• Volunteering and Shadowing: Whether you’re interested in medicine, education, or any other field, continue to rack up those hours. Colleges appreciate applicants who are not just academically driven but also dedicated to helping others. Aim to have consistent hours over the summer, especially in fields related to your major.

Academics & Testing: Preparing for Senior Year

The summer is your final opportunity to gear up for the academic challenges of senior year. Let’s break down your approach to preparing for classes, standardized testing, and creating a strong academic profile.

• Prepare for Senior Year Classes: Take a look at your senior year course load. Are there advanced classes you can take? Are there areas where you feel you could improve your knowledge? The goal is to set yourself up for success in your senior year, especially as grades in these classes matter significantly when it comes to your college applications.

• Testing Strategy: If you’re planning to submit standardized test scores, this summer is the time to finalize your approach. Review the test requirements for each of your target schools. Some schools may have switched to test-optional or have updated policies, so it’s essential to double-check the testing expectations for 2025/2026 applicants. BSMD students should aim to complete their testing by the end of the summer (July or August).

  • Be honest with yourself: If you’ve been preparing for the SAT or ACT but haven’t seen significant improvements, it may be time to consider a change in strategy. Whether that means hiring a tutor, taking a test prep class, or dedicating more time to self-study, make sure your preparation plan aligns with your goals.

Finalize Your College List & Early Decision Plans

By the end of the summer, your college list should be almost finalized. While there may still be a few tweaks as the months go by, this is the time to settle on the schools you are most interested in applying to.

• College Visits: If you haven’t done so already, try to visit a few of the colleges on your list. College tours can give you a feel for the campus, student life, and community, helping you decide if a school is truly the right fit. If in-person visits aren’t possible, many schools offer virtual tours and information sessions, so take advantage of those.

• Early Decision (ED) or Restrictive Early Action (REA): Now is the time to think about whether you want to apply through Early Decision (ED) or Restrictive Early Action (REA). These applications are due in the fall, and deciding early allows you to focus on crafting a competitive application.

College Essays: Start Writing Now

While the Common App officially opens on August 1st, you can start working on your college essays right now. By getting a head start on your writing, you can ensure that your personal statement and school-specific essays are thoughtful, polished, and unique.

• Personal Statement: The prompts for the 2025/2026 cycle are already released, so take some time to reflect on your experiences, values, and passions. Your personal statement is your chance to tell the admissions committee who you are beyond grades and test scores, so give it the attention it deserves.

• “Why Medicine?” (or other field-specific essays): If you’re applying for a specific major like medicine, you’ll likely need to answer a “Why this field?” question. For BSMD applicants, this essay is critical, and a good rule of thumb is to aim for around 500 words. Start thinking about why you’re passionate about the field and how your experiences have prepared you for it.

• Activity List: Now is also a great time to organize and reflect on your extracurricular activities. Having a clear, concise activity list will help you later when filling out applications and writing supplemental essays.

Scholarships: Research and Apply Early

Don’t wait until after you submit your applications to start thinking about scholarships. Many scholarships have early deadlines, and applying early can give you an advantage.

• Research and Apply: Begin looking into school-specific scholarships, as well as general scholarships available to incoming students. There are often plenty of opportunities available, so setting aside time in the summer to apply can make a big difference in your financial aid planning.

Relax and Recharge

As important as it is to be productive this summer, it’s equally important to take time for yourself. The college application process can be overwhelming, and burnout is real. Use this summer to recharge your mental and physical well-being.

• Self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether that’s hiking, painting, reading, or spending time with friends. It’s essential to have time for activities that aren’t “productive” but help you feel grounded and refreshed.

• Mental Health: Be mindful of the stress that can come with the application season. Make sure to set realistic goals for yourself, create a summer and fall roadmap, and be kind to yourself when things get tough. The application process is long, and it’s crucial to take care of your mental health throughout.

In summary, summer before your senior year is a crucial time to set yourself up for success in the college application process. Use this time wisely to finish strong with your extracurriculars, prepare academically, finalize your college list, and start working on your essays. And most importantly, make time to relax and focus on your well-being. The fall application season will be here before you know it, and you’ll be ready to take it on with confidence.