Rising Juniors: Make This Summer Count
As you prepare to enter your junior year, you’ve officially reached the second half of high school and with it, a time of deeper focus, leadership, and self-discovery. This summer is an ideal opportunity to lay the groundwork for the college process while continuing to grow both academically and personally. Here’s how to use these next few months intentionally to set yourself up for success not just in the college process, but in your growth as a student and leader:
Key Summer Moves for Rising Juniors:
Register and Prepare for Standardized Tests. Whether you’re planning to take the SAT or ACT, now is the time to register. Test dates fill up quickly, and preparing early can give you a significant advantage. Consider signing up for a prep course, using free online resources, or setting up a self-paced study schedule to build confidence and improve performance.
Explore Interests Through Meaningful Activities. Use this time to engage in experiences that reflect your curiosity, values, and initiative. This could include a part-time job, volunteer work, an internship, a summer course, or even a personal project. What matters most is not prestige, but purpose. Choose something you care about and commit to it meaningfully.
Learn About AI Tools. Explore how platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity and other AI-driven tools and resources can enhance productivity, research, writing, and time management - skills that are increasingly valuable in both school and future careers.
Research Potential Careers. If you’re not sure what you want to study or pursue professionally, that’s perfectly normal. Use the summer to explore. Read about different fields online, follow professionals on LinkedIn, or set up informational interviews with people whose work you find interesting. These conversations can be incredibly eye-opening and help you begin shaping your academic and career goals.
Reflect On and Record Your Experiences. Take time to jot down notes about your experiences: what you did, what you learned, and how it shaped your perspective. These reflections will be invaluable later when you begin writing college essays and articulating your interests and values to admissions committees.
Start Thinking About Your College Priorities. Start thinking about what matters to you in a college (i.e. size, setting, programs, campus culture) and keep a running list of schools that peak your interest. Share your ideas with your parents since they may play a key role in financing your education.
Intentional Summers Contribute to Meaningful Growth
The summer before junior year is about more than just preparing for college - it’s about preparing to lead, reflect, and grow. By approaching this time with curiosity and intention, you’ll not only build a stronger college application but also gain clarity about who you are and who you want to become. Remember, you don’t need to do everything but doing something meaningful this summer will make a real difference. Contact Linley@LKCollegeConsulting.net if you want support in making the most of the summer in preparation for the college application process.