College Planning - It Can Wait, or Can It?
- Majella McNamara
- Jun 17, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Summer break is the perfect time to recharge your batteries after what likely felt like a long, demanding school year. After months of balancing coursework, extracurriculars, sports, and social activities, you deserve the chance to relax and refresh. However, summer shouldn't be a total break from thinking about your future, especially if college is on the horizon.
It’s never too early to start the college planning process. In fact, summer offers a great opportunity for uninterrupted time to focus on important college preparation tasks without the constant pressure of homework, exams, and school commitments. A little effort now can make an enormous difference later when life gets busier.Use Summer Wisely. Small Steps Can Make a Big Impact
Consider carving out a few hours each week to:
Work on your resume: Document your activities, leadership roles, work experience, volunteer service, and achievements. This will make college applications and scholarship applications much easier in the fall.
Research colleges: Start exploring different types of schools to find out what environment might be the best fit for you. Public or private? Big or small? Urban or rural? Create a working college list to guide future campus visits and applications.
Take virtual or on-campus tours: Many colleges offer virtual tours, if traveling is not an option. Get a feel for campus life, programs, and culture even from your living room.
Brainstorm essay topics: Reflect on meaningful experiences or challenges you have overcome. Start jotting down ideas or even drafting a personal statement. Having a strong foundation will ease the pressure when deadlines approach.
Set up a plan for testing and deadlines: Know what tests (SAT, ACT, CLT, AP, AICE exams) you might need, registration dates, and upcoming college deadlines. Organization now means less stress later.
Why Starting Early Matters
Every year, I hear students, especially seniors, express the same regret: “I wish I had started earlier!” Entering senior year already stressed about applications, essays, testing, and deadlines can feel overwhelming. By using the summer months to get ahead, you can walk into the fall semester feeling calm, confident, and in control.
Remember, once the school year begins, your time will be pulled in many different directions:
Academic coursework
Studying for standardized tests
Participation in clubs and sports
Community service
Part-time jobs or internships
Leadership positions
With so much on your plate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you haven’t laid some groundwork beforehand. Balance is Key!
Of course, summer is also about enjoying yourself! Make time for beach days, barbecues, and hanging out with friends. But also commit a portion of your break to productive activities working a summer job, volunteering, pursuing a passion project, or dedicating time to college planning tasks.
Finding this balance between fun and preparation will not only keep you moving toward your goals but also help you develop the time-management skills that will serve you well in college and beyond.
Take Control of Your Future by making small but meaningful steps over the summer, you will set yourself up for success. You will feel great heading into the new school year with momentum, clarity, and confidence, and you will thank yourself later when application season arrives.
Start now, stay steady, and enjoy both summer and the satisfaction of knowing you are building a bright future.
Need help building your plan or figuring out your next college planning and application steps? Guide2College provides personalize guidance through the college planning and application process. Schedule a free 30 minute consultation @ https://calendly.com/majellaguide2college/30-minute-student-and-parent-consultation?month=2025-04
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