🎓 Why Summer is Crucial for College Planning—And How to Get Ahead

May 24, 2025

Let’s be real: college applications are no joke.

Between essays, resumes, test prep, and trying to figure out what on earth your teenager wants to do with their life, it can feel like a second full-time job—for both students and parents.

That’s why summer is your secret weapon. No schoolwork, no packed schedules, no excuse not to get ahead. In fact, research from The College Board shows that students who begin their applications and planning over the summer are more likely to meet deadlines and submit stronger materials.

Here’s how to make summer count—and how A+ Skills can support your family every step of the way.

☀️ Rising Seniors: This Is Go Time

If your teen is heading into 12th grade, this is the summer to:

• ✅ Finalize the college list
  
  

• ✍️ Start (and finish!) the Common App essay
  
  

• 📆 Create a deadline calendar
  
  

• 🧠 Prep for one last ACT or SAT if needed
  
  

• 📄 Polish resumes, activity lists, and short-answer responses
  
  

Interactive Tip for Parents:
Set a weekly “College Hour.” You bring the snacks, they bring their laptop. Spend 60 minutes knocking out tasks together—it’s focused, productive, and way less overwhelming.

👉 A+ Skills offers one-on-one essay coaching, application strategy sessions, and test prep—so your teen doesn’t waste time spinning their wheels.

🧭 Rising Juniors: The Road Starts Now

The earlier the planning starts, the less stressful senior year will be. For 11th graders, summer is the time to:

• 🔍 Explore potential majors and careers
  
  

• 🏫 Visit colleges (virtually or in-person!)
  
  

• 📖 Prep for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT
  
  

• 📑 Build a résumé of extracurriculars, jobs, or leadership roles
  
  

Interactive Tip for Parents:
Encourage your teen to journal their college visits, passions, or even job shadowing experiences. These reflections often turn into amazing college essay material later!

💡 With our College Prep Pathway program, A+ Skills helps students build strong academic and extracurricular narratives to stand out when application time comes.

🛠️ Why Planning Now = Peace Later

College apps are stressful enough without trying to do everything during senior fall. By working ahead in the summer, your teen can:

• Reduce anxiety
  
  

• Meet early deadlines (like Early Action or Early Decision)
  
  

• Focus on school when fall starts
  
  

• Submit stronger applications and essays
  
  

• Actually enjoy senior year 🎉
  
  

💬 Let’s Make a Plan That Fits Your Teen

No two students are the same. That’s why A+ Skills offers customized summer services—from one-time consultations to full-package support. Whether your teen needs test prep, help picking a college list, or someone to hold them accountable, we’re here for you.

🔗 Contact us today and let’s turn this summer into the launchpad for college success.