How to Make the Most of Summer for College Preparation 

The road to college applications is a long one, and the students with the best outcomes are typically those who have been preparing throughout high school. In this post, I’ll break down what students in each grade should focus on during the summer to maximize their chances of college success.

Grades 9 & 10 (Freshman & Sophomore Years)

If you’re finishing 9th or 10th grade, summer is a great time to explore your interests and discover new ones. While strong grades matter, colleges also look closely at how you’ve spent your time outside the classroom. The summer break gives you the chance to build experiences that reflect your passions and potential.

Here are a few ways to use your summer wisely:

• Explore academic interests
  If you’ve been accepted to a summer program—great! If not, consider starting your own academic project or taking an online course. Platforms like edX and Coursera offer a wide range of subjects that allow you to dive deeper than your school curriculum.

• Try out a career path
  Apply for an internship to gain real-world experience. Whether it’s in an office, a lab, or a local business, working over the summer helps you understand workplace dynamics and responsibilities. Look for opportunities where you can make a meaningful contribution—write a report, debug code, or interact with customers.

• Assess your academic progress
  Reflect on the subjects you’re doing well in and those that might need improvement. Summer is a good time to reinforce concepts or get ahead on material for the coming year.

• Read widely
  Set aside time daily for reading. Choose a mix of genres—fiction, nonfiction, history, fantasy, etc. There are plenty of online book lists for high school students if you need inspiration.

• Prepare for standardized tests
  While many colleges remain test-optional, a growing number now require SAT or ACT scores. Use resources like Khan Academy or the ACT website to practice. Once you’re comfortable with the format, take full-length practice tests under exam conditions. If your scores align with your target schools’ expectations, register for an official test date.

Grade 11 (Junior Year)

If you’ve just finished 11th grade, this summer is a critical period in your college application journey. Here’s how you should be spending your time:

• Create and refine your college list
  Focus on finding schools that are a good academic, social, and geographic fit. Make sure your list includes a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety schools. Dive into program offerings—especially for your intended major—and look at electives, research opportunities, and campus life.

• Attend college information sessions
  Can’t visit in person? No problem. Many colleges offer virtual campus tours and online info sessions. For example, upcoming summer sessions include joint presentations from Brown, UChicago, Columbia, Rice, and Cornell. Schools like USC and Dartmouth also offer virtual events for international students.

• Subscribe to college newsletters
  Stay updated by signing up for newsletters from the colleges on your list. It helps you get to know them better—and shows demonstrated interest, which some schools consider in the admissions process.

• Work on your Common App essay
  Start early and revise often. Share drafts with people you trust—family, mentors, teachers—and be open to feedback. Pay attention to grammar and use American spelling where required.

• Pursue a meaningful summer experience
  If you’re not attending a summer program, look for an internship or a volunteer opportunity. This is your last summer before college applications, so aim for depth over breadth. Ask yourself: What did I learn from this experience? What skills did I build?

• Complete advanced coursework or certifications
  Some students take online courses like higher-level calculus for credit, which demonstrates academic readiness to top colleges.

• Finalize standardized testing plans
  If you’re submitting SAT or ACT scores, don’t delay. The SAT is offered in August, October, and December, and the ACT in September, October, and December. Register early, and make sure you’re practicing under test conditions.

Grade 12 (Senior Year)

If you’ve already submitted your applications and been admitted, congratulations! This summer, take time to relax and recharge—you’ve earned it. But don’t check out completely just yet.

Before heading off to college, check out our previous blog post for Seven Tips to Help You Prepare to Leave for College | Ivy Central

Final Thoughts

Working with a college counselor—also known as a study abroad or overseas education consultant—can make a big difference in how you approach the application process. At Ivy Central, we provide targeted support to help students make the most of their high school years and position themselves for college success.

Start today and make your summer count!