Donna’s Monthly to Do List - July

Those waiting to go to college should be working, saving up money for all the college essentials: books, clothes, computer, etc. Start practicing living on a budget. Open a checking or saving account and learn how to balance your monthly statement. Start making a detailed list of what you will need when you go off to school. You wouldn’t believe how many students pack the I-Pod but forget the aspirin and cold medicine. Research programs or organizations you might want to join on campus. Get a copy of the college catalog and familiarize yourself with course requirements and departmental requirements. Have you looked at the registration materials, course descriptions and class schedule? You will not have a lot of time to select courses and figure out your schedule once you are on campus so start planning early.

For those of you in high school, use the summer to grow: Whether that means work or vacation, taking a preparatory class, learning a new hobby, volunteering in a project or visiting a college. Use your time to relax and refresh your body while challenging your mind. Start on the required reading for that English course or take a refresher course to improve your chances of doing well in school. Can you take a class at the local junior college? If you are a senior, you should have started researching colleges. Contact them and request the applications for admissions and financial aid. Research scholarships that are available in your community and on a national level. Does your parent’s employer or the church you belong to offer scholarships? Start completing these applications early. Pay attention to deadlines. Start working on the personal essay or writing sample most college applications ask for. Even if you are using the Common Online application, many schools require additional forms. If you have already taken the SAT, consider taking a prep course to improve your score or consider taking the ACT. Have you registered for the SAT or SAT II exams. These subject tests should be taken after you complete the course. So don’t wait until 12th grade to take the subject test that you took in your sophomore year. Although many schools don’t require them, most competitive schools do and they are not offered as frequently so be aware of those dates.