I feel compelled to write one more post before the month of August sails by. I chose the name August Consulting for several reasons but one of them is that the Common Application opens on August 1st every year and it is the month that most kids leave for college. I sent two of my biological children off to school today and I am working hard with my seniors to get the last bits of writing done. We are coming down the home stretch, with their applications nearly complete. Labor Day weekend means just that in the college admissions world: labor. We are working hard! If you have a senior, here are a few things to think about.

1. Review the courses that they put on their applications and make sure that they correspond with the courses that are on their schedule for senior year. Sometimes there is a change that needs to be updated.
2. Take time to touch base with the teachers that are writing your letters of recommendation. Confirm with them that they are still available to write for you and if you have any early deadlines, politely let them know what those deadlines are.
3. Take a look at the colleges that will be visiting your school. If you anticipate applying to any of them, make sure you take the time to meet the college representative. Introduce yourself and let them know that you are applying. This is an excellent way to demonstrate interest and the person that you meet will likely do the first read of your application.
4. Turn in your transcript requests to your guidance office in a timely manner and be polite when you do it. Processing transcripts is a thankless task.
5. Walk in the doors of your school as a senior, ready to get the best grades of your high school career. Senior year grades count!