When it comes to college admissions, most families think junior year is where the action starts. But here’s the truth: the smartest college prep begins long before then.
If your teen is in 9th or 10th grade, summer is one of the most valuable opportunities they have to explore, grow, and build the kind of personal story that colleges will remember.
Here’s how to help them do just that—without burnout, expensive programs, or micromanaging:
Ask your student what they’re curious about. Maybe it’s social media marketing, environmental justice, art, or animals. Write down 3–5 interests, no matter how vague or unconventional.
Then brainstorm a few ways they could explore those interests:
Volunteer at a local nonprofit
Take a free online class through Coursera or edX
Launch a small blog, podcast, or digital art portfolio
Tutor younger students in a subject they enjoy
➡️ This is about direction, not perfection. Their first summer experience is just the beginning of a bigger admissions story.
Help them choose one project or experience to pursue. Ask them:
What excites you about this idea?
What’s one step you could take this week?
Who or what could help you get started?
By choosing a single path and committing to it—even lightly—they start building initiative and confidence.
Students thrive with a little structure. Sketch a flexible plan that includes:
Focus time: 3–6 hours per week on their chosen activity
Exploration time: books, videos, or discussions tied to their interest
Rest + fun: balance matters!
Encourage a weekly theme (e.g. “Leadership Week” or “Creativity Week”) to keep it fun and self-guided.
Once they’ve chosen an activity, try this prompt:
"How might this experience show up in a future college application?"
Have them write 3–5 sentences using this format:
The spark: What drew me to it
The challenge: What I had to learn or overcome
The shift: How I grew or what changed
It’s a powerful way to link present action to future outcomes.
Inside our College Admissions Accelerator Group (CAAG), parents get expert support every month to help their 9th and 10th graders build a foundation for college success.
📥 Members get free access to our Summer Planning Worksheets and monthly Zoom sessions.
👉 Click here to learn more and join CAAG
This summer can be more than a break—it can be the beginning of your student’s standout story.
CALL US! 312-725-3279
© globalcollegesearch.org | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS & CONDITIONS | Privacy Policy |