Your goal should be to have a tentative college list by the end of summer. It is TOO HARD to do this next fall when you are also juggling classes, homework, extra-curricular activities, and your social life. You should also spend some time over the summer in reviewing for a fall sitting of the SAT I test. Don t forget to read as much as you can for pleasure and for all those SAT words. Talk to your college friends that are home for the summer.
College essays are like wild cards .
At the private schools, in particular, an effective essay can help to offset a mediocre SAT score. These essays are your best opportunity to communicate with the colleges and give them a sense of who you are. Look at the college essay topics requested by the schools you are considering. Many of the themes will be related or overlapping. Many schools will ask for a personal statement or ask you to discuss an issue important to you.