15 Summer Camps in the UK for 16+ Students

TL;DR

This roundup features 15 UK-based summer programs open to you if you're 16 or older, covering subjects from STEM and medicine to literature and the arts. You can choose between free, fully funded weeks through the Sutton Trust and paid residentials costing up to £8,995, most running one to three weeks at campuses like Oxford and Cambridge. You'll find programs open to international applicants as well as ones limited to UK state school students. Among the options you'll find Immerse Education's Academic Insights Programme, a two-week course for ages 13 to 18 with a bursary programme for eligible applicants.

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Once you’re 16, summer can be a time to step outside your usual routine and explore experiences that feel a little more independent. You could spend time learning about a subject that interests you, meet students from different places, or experience a new city while trying something you haven’t done before. These experiences can help you discover new interests, build useful skills, and create memories beyond the classroom. One of the best ways to make the most of your summer is through a summer camp.

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Envision exploring biotechnology in Oxford, studying literature while visiting places connected to famous authors, or taking on a real-world innovation challenge with students who have different academic interests. You could combine academic learning with hands-on projects, cultural excursions, campus life, and social activities. Summer programs in the UK for 16+ Students can lay the groundwork for your college journey, giving you a taste of what university life is like at a top institution, in person. 

What kinds of summer camps in the UK are there for 16+ students?

Many universities and educational organizations across the UK offer summer camps focusing on subjects such as STEM, medicine, literature, business, psychology, and the arts. You can deepen an existing interest or explore something completely new. You may attend lectures and workshops, work on hands-on projects, visit historically significant places, experience university life, and connect with students from around the world.

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No matter what kind of experience you're looking for, summer can be a chance to learn while stepping outside your comfort zone. To make it easier to choose, we’ve made a list of 15 Summer Camps in the UK for 16+ students. I picked these for their academic value, range of experiences, opportunities for cultural exploration, and the chance to learn alongside like-minded peers.

15 Summer Camps in the UK for 16+ Students

1. University of Glasgow Sutton Trust Summer School

Location: University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Cost: None

Dates: June 29th – July 3rd

Application Deadline: March 5th

Eligibility: Applicants must be under 18, attend a state-funded UK school, and be in Year 12 (England/Wales), Year 13 (NI), or S5 (Scotland). Typically requires at least five GCSEs at grades 9–6 (A*–B) and meeting widening participation criteria (e.g., first-generation university student, Free School Meals); not open to international students

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University of Glasgow Sutton Trust Summer School offers you a week-long summer learning opportunity. The Sutton Trust runs the program in partnership with leading UK universities. You'll experience University life as you interact with peers sharing similar interests and attend academic sessions focused on different subjects in arts and social sciences, medical and life sciences, common law, and engineering. 

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The program also includes an online academic skills module to help you prepare for higher education. Uniquely, the program uses a multi-subject structure so you can sample several disciplines simultaneously, and completing it can make you eligible for an adjusted contextual admission offer.

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Why it stands out: It lets you experience university life while exploring subjects across arts, sciences, law, and engineering, with an academic skills module to prepare for higher education.

2. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Programme

Location: Cambridge, London, Oxford

Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class

Dates: 2 weeks during the summer

Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions

Eligibility: Students across the globe aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school; open to international students

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The Academic Insights Program lets high school students experience university life firsthand. You will live on campus, study in small groups of 7-10, and learn from tutors from eminent universities like Oxford and Cambridge. You can explore a wide range of subjects, including Architecture, AI, Business Management, Computer Science, Economics, Medicine, Philosophy, and more. The courses are experiential and focus on hands-on learning. 

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You may find yourself conducting dissections in medicine, designing a robotic arm in engineering, participating in a moot court for law, or building creative writing portfolios and business case studies. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and receive a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

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Why it stands out: You’ll get an early start at university life and academics because the program includes an independent project, discussion-based classes, and living at a college campus.

3. Brown Experiential Education: Oxford

Location: St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

Cost: $8,270; need-based Sibley Scholarships are available for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and undocumented/DACA students residing in the U.S.

Dates: July 6–17

Application Deadline: May 8th

Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 completing grades 10-12 by June 14th; open to international students

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Brown Experiential Education: Oxford allows you to explore biotechnology in a historic university environment. You'll visit research institutes, historic sites, biotech parks, and hospitals, interact with experts, and explore the latest innovations and findings in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. 

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The program will help you understand the role and impact of biotechnology in science and medicine-related advancements. You'll have the opportunity to develop and improve valuable skills in critical thinking and scientific literacy while engaging in a supportive learning environment without the stress of formal grading.

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Why it stands out: You’ll visit research institutes, biotech parks, and hospitals while exploring how biotechnology, AI, and machine learning contribute to advances in science and medicine.

4. Imperial Global Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, London, UK

Cost: £7,695

Dates: June 29th – July 10th; August 3 – 14

Application Deadline: Rolling basis

Eligibility: Students aged 16-17 worldwide

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Imperial Global Summer School allows you to explore your interest in STEM while learning at a top University in the UK. You'll participate in lab sessions, attend classroom lectures, and take part in practical workshops. 

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During the first week of the program, you'll get to explore and gain in-depth knowledge in a range of STEM subjects, including chemistry, engineering, physics, data science and artificial intelligence, and medicine and life sciences. The second week of the program focuses on an innovation challenge where you'll solve a real-world problem by working with students from different academic areas.

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Why it stands out: It lets you explore a range of STEM subjects before collaborating with students from different disciplines to solve a real-world problem through an innovation challenge.

5. Seren Academy Summer School

Location: Multiple  locations, including Oxford and Cambridge university colleges, UK

Cost: None

Dates: Varies by location; between July and August

Application Deadline: Mid-February

Eligibility: Year 12 (16+) learners attending state schools or further education colleges within Wales who are registered in the Seren Academy; not open to international students

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Seren Academy Summer School offers a fully funded learning experience. The program will help you develop motivated thinking, curiosity, and knowledge to make the right educational decisions for a future career. 

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You'll learn through a university-level curriculum and gain exposure to multiple disciplines, including medicine, humanities, veterinary science, and more. You'll attend interactive lectures, participate in workshops, and join real-world, learning-focused sessions. By the end of the program, you'll gain knowledge about university applications while having meaningful interactions with peers.

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Why it stands out: It will let you explore multiple disciplines, including medicine, humanities, and veterinary science, through university-level learning in a fully funded program.

6. Hillsdale College – In Love and War: The Land and Literature of England

Location: Multiple locations in the UK

Cost: $4,995; limited need-based scholarship assistance is available

Dates: July 2–16

Application Deadline: Priority: February 15th; Applications reviewed on a rolling basis 

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors aged 15 and above; open to international students

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Hillsdale College Land and Literature in England offers high school students a literary learning experience. The program combines travel and a residential stay, allowing you to explore historically significant places in England. 

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You'll visit locations closely connected to renowned authors like Churchill, Shakespeare, C.S. Lewis, Eliot, Austen, and more. You'll understand how these authors addressed human experiences such as desire, demand, threat, and commitment. Some of the highlights of the trip include Warwick Castle, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, The British Museum, Blenheim Palace, Buckingham Palace, Roman Theatre, and more.

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Why it stands out: You’ll explore historic sites connected to authors like Shakespeare, Austen, C.S. Lewis, and Churchill while examining how their works addressed universal human experiences.

7. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

Location: King’s College London, London, UK

Cost:£3,965 for one week, £7,720 for two weeks or £11,685 for three weeks, plus a £65 application fee

Dates: Session 1: July 6–10; Session 2: July 13–17; Session 3: July 20–24; Session 4: July 27 – 31

Application Deadline: April 27th

Eligibility: Academically motivated students aged 16–17 who are enrolled in the final three years of high school and meet the program’s English-language requirements; open to international students

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King’s College London: Pre-University Summer School is a one-week learning opportunity that lets you explore different disciplines. You'll get to explore one or more courses of your choice from multiple options offered through the program, such as computer science, business management, marketing, neuroscience, politics, science, technology, and engineering, psychology, and more. 

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You'll attend lectures and participate in seminars, simulation games, and Q&A sessions. You'll also work on course-based assignments, fulfill attendance requirements, and engage in group-based discussions.

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Why it stands out: You’ll explore one or more subjects, from neuroscience and psychology to computer science and politics, through lectures, simulation games, seminars, and course-based assignments.

8. University of St Andrews Summer Academic Experience Courses

Location: St Andrews, Scotland, UK

Cost: £6,850; full and partial scholarships are available for selected courses

Dates:  July 11th  –  August 1st

Application Deadline: February 25th

Eligibility: Students aged 16-18; international students are eligible 

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University of St Andrews Summer Academic Experience Courses offer a three-week residential learning experience to high school students worldwide. Courses include creative writing, medicine, psychology and neuroscience, cinema, ideas and society, sustainable development, and management, economics, and entrepreneurship. 

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The program also includes excursions to  Castle visits, Byre Theatre evenings, Edinburgh Dungeons, and the Cupar Deer Center, along with activities such as movie nights, disco, talent shows, debate nights, and more. Uniquely, this is the university’s only international high school program taught directly by current academic staff.

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Why it stands out: It lets you explore subjects ranging from medicine and neuroscience to creative writing and entrepreneurship while enjoying a three-week residential experience with excursions and social activities.

9. University of Warwick – Pre-University Summer School

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

Cost: £5,250 + £50 application fee

Dates: July 14–24

Application Deadline: May 31st

Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 from around the world

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Warwick Pre-University Summer School is a good opportunity to engage in a University-level summer learning experience. You'll gain knowledge from leading University faculty while spending 10 nights at the Warwick campus. 

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The program offers five course options, including science and engineering, arts and humanities, medical and life sciences, business, economics and finance, and social sciences. You'll attend sessions focused on both academics and personal development, and you'll live alongside current Warwick students. The program also lets you spend a day exploring Oxford and Warwick Castle.

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Why it stands out: You’ll choose from five academic pathways while learning from Warwick faculty and experiencing campus life alongside current university students.

10. Notre Dame Pre-College Study Abroad: London

Location: University of Notre Dame London Global Gateway, London, UK

Cost: $8,750 + $75 non-refundable application fee; extremely limited need-based full-tuition scholarships are available

Dates: July 4–18

Application Deadline: January 20th

Eligibility: Current juniors who will be rising high school seniors when the program starts; Minimum age: 16 years 

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Notre Dame Pre-College Study Abroad: London allows you to explore the city’s imperial history and culture. You'll attend guest lectures led by experts, engage in classroom instruction by faculty at Notre Dame London, and explore history as an interpretive discipline. 

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The program offers field trips, museum visits, theatre tours, plays, and the chance to witness a performance on the stage of Shakespeare’s Globe. The program has a limited capacity of 18 students and lets you learn about different periods and areas of London every day.

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Why it stands out: It lets you explore a different period and area of London each day, bringing the city’s imperial history to life through museum visits, theatre tours, and a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe.

11. Oxford Saïd AI and Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School

Location: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

Cost: £8,995; limited scholarships are available

Dates:  July 19th – August 1st

Application Deadline: Rolling basis

Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 from around the world; minimum B2 English proficiency

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Oxford Saïd AI and Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School is a two-week, in-person program focused on the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and data science. The program will cover topics such as agentic AI, generative AI, econometrics, machine learning, neural networks, and data analysis. 

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You'll work on hands-on coding-based projects and have the chance to engage in real-world application of your knowledge and skills. By the end of the program, you'll participate in a pitch competition involving a group project explaining how Big Data and Artificial Intelligence have an impact on different areas and industries.

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Why it stands out: It lets you apply AI and data science concepts through hands-on coding projects and a group pitch competition exploring the impact of Big Data and AI on specific industries.

12. University of Edinburgh – Pre-University Summer School

Location: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Cost: £5,250

Dates: June 29th – July 10th

Application Deadline: May 19th

Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 in the final or penultimate year of high school who meet the program’s English-language requirements; open to international students

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If you want a genuine taste of undergraduate life, the University of Edinburgh’s two-week Pre-University Summer School immerses you in a real UK academic environment. You can dive into one of four core academic tracks covering the Humanities, Social Sciences, Design, or Life Sciences. 

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Throughout your stay, you will attend university-style mini-lectures, run hands-on laboratory or workshop sessions, and experience local Scottish culture by climbing Arthur’s Seat or joining a traditional ceilidh dance. The program uniquely pairs catered campus living and direct instruction from experienced university academics with specialized UK college admissions coaching. By the end of the course, the program will equip you with higher-education skills, including advanced academic literacy, practical research design, and independent study management.

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Why it stands out: It will let you explore subjects across design, life sciences, social sciences, and humanities while developing independent thinking through workshops, seminars, and collaborative discussions.

13. Imperial College London Sutton Trust Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, England, UK

Cost: None

Dates: Week One courses: July 14–17; Week Two courses: July 21–24

Application Deadline: March 5th

Eligibility: Students who attend a UK state-funded school in Year 12 (England/Wales), Year 13 (NI), or S5 (Scotland); a minimum of 8 GCSEs (including five grades 7-9 with math and all sciences, and a 5+ in English Language), at least three A-levels meeting subject prerequisites, and meeting Sutton Trust socio-economic criteria (e.g., first-generation university student); not open to international students

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Imperial College Sutton Trust Summer School is a fully funded residential program. The program will let you experience life at Imperial as a university student and explore courses in fields such as molecular bioengineering, materials science and engineering, design engineering, chemistry, physics, biological sciences, chemical engineering, data science, economics, and finance. 

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You'll engage in two webinar sessions conducted virtually before joining the summer school; these sessions will help you gain familiarity with the summer school team, mentors, and present Undergraduates. Tailored to support underrepresented state school students, the program provides you with dedicated UCAS guidance, personal statement workshops, and direct pathways to university admissions. 

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Why it stands out: It will let you experience student life at Imperial while exploring courses across STEM, economics, finance, and data science in a fully funded residential program.

14. Oxford Saïd Future Climate Tech Innovators Summer School

Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

Cost: £8,995

Dates: July 19th – August 2nd

Application Deadline: Rolling basis

Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 with B2 English proficiency or above; open to international students

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Oxford Saïd Future Climate Tech Innovators Summer School allows you to explore climate change challenges through a two-week in-person learning opportunity. You'll learn through an engaging curriculum focused on real-world climate change impacts, while gaining knowledge from industry experts, thought leaders, and academics. 

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During the first week, you'll explore topics in air pollution, food security, and extreme weather. The second week will focus on problem-solving and addressing environmental challenges. You'll also get to develop and improve your entrepreneurial skills through pitching ideas and creating business proposals.

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Why it stands out: You'll explore real-world climate challenges, develop solutions, and pitch your own ideas and business proposals to address environmental issues.

15. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Summer Schools

Location: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Cost: Varies by course and duration; bursaries and scholarships are available

Dates: Multiple 1- to 4-week sessions from June to August

Application Deadline: Rolling basis

Eligibility: Age requirements vary by program; many courses are open to students aged 16–18; open to international students

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Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Summer Schools offers engaging learning experiences to multiple age groups. The program offers both virtual and in-person options and lets you learn about performance and production arts through a range of courses. You'll explore courses in creative development, film and production, drama, and more. 

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One residential course offered through the program is Shakespeare at the Castle, which lets 18-year-olds engage in an immersive summer learning experience in Scotland. The program stands out because you learn directly from actual conservatoire faculty and active industry professionals instead of standard camp counselors.

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Why it stands out: You can choose from virtual and in-person courses in areas like drama, creative development, and film and production, letting you explore different sides of the performing arts.

Frequently asked questions: Summer camps in the UK for High School Students

What age do you need to be for a UK summer camp for 16+ students?

Most programmes on this list accept you from age 16, though a few open earlier. Hillsdale College's Land and Literature in England programme accepts rising juniors and seniors aged 15 and above, and both Oxford Saïd summer schools admit students aged 15 to 18. Others, including Imperial Global Summer School and the University of Edinburgh's Pre-University Summer School, set a stricter 16 to 17 or 16 to 18 window. Since age cutoffs vary even between programmes at the same university, always check the specific eligibility section before applying.

How long do UK summer camps for 16+ students typically last?

Most run for one to three weeks, though the exact length depends on the programme and subject. Sutton Trust summer schools at Glasgow and Imperial College are the shortest, lasting under a week, while King's College London offers one, two, or three week sessions you can choose between. Longer options include the University of St Andrews' three week residential and Hillsdale College's two week literature and travel programme. A handful, like the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland's courses, run anywhere from one to four weeks depending on which you pick.

What subjects can you study at a UK summer camp for 16+ students?

Subjects span STEM, humanities, business, and the arts, so you can go deep into an existing interest or try something new. You'll find options in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, medicine, law, engineering, creative writing, and performance arts across the programmes on this list. Immerse Education's Academic Insights Programme alone covers more than 20 subjects, from architecture to philosophy, taught to small groups of 7 to 10 students aged 13 to 18. If you’re confused between multiple subjects, have a look at our guide on how to pick a summer school subject.

Do UK summer camps for 16+ students offer scholarships or financial aid?

Yes, several programmes on this list offer funding beyond the free Sutton Trust and Seren Academy options. Brown Experiential Education: Oxford provides need-based Sibley Scholarships for eligible U.S. applicants, and the University of St Andrews offers full and partial scholarships for selected courses. Hillsdale College and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland both list limited need-based assistance too. For more information, check out our deep dive on how much summer schools cost.

What is the application deadline for UK summer camps for 16+ students?

Deadlines vary widely, so it's worth checking each programme individually rather than assuming one timeline applies across the board. Notre Dame's Pre-College Study Abroad in London closes as early as January 20, while the Sutton Trust programmes at Glasgow and Imperial both close on March 5. Others run on a rolling basis with no fixed cutoff, including the Oxford Saïd AI and Machine Learning and Future Climate Tech schools. Since spots at the most selective programmes fill up before the stated deadline, applying several months ahead gives you the best chance.

Do you need specific grades to get into a UK summer camp for 16+ students?

It depends on the programme: some set no academic bar beyond your age and school year, while a few are highly selective on grades. The Sutton Trust summer schools at Glasgow and Imperial require at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 6, and Imperial's version asks for eight GCSEs plus three A-level subject prerequisites. Programmes like King's College London and the University of Warwick focus mainly on age and English language proficiency rather than specific grades. Read the eligibility section closely, since grade requirements often come paired with residency or school-type restrictions.

Your next step after a UK summer camp

Attending one of these programmes gives you more than a memorable summer, since it builds a set of skills universities notice on an application.

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Summer camps in the UK for 16+ students range from free Sutton Trust weeks in Glasgow to three-week residentials at Oxford, Cambridge, and St Andrews.

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Choosing a programme that includes an independent project, written feedback, or a certificate of completion gives you material worth including in your personal statement.

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Once you've chosen a camp, explore Immerse's University Preparation resources to map out the rest of your college application timeline and next steps.