✅ 3 Critical College Planning Tips Before the School Year Ends

The school year is winding down—AP exams, finals, and the countdown to summer break. But if you're the parent of a high school student, this time of year is more than just wrapping things up—it's an opportunity to get ahead in the college admissions process.

We’ve worked with thousands of families, and we can tell you this: May and June are some of the most important months to plan ahead.

Here are three key things to focus on before your teen logs off for summer.

📆 1. Have a Clear Testing Plan

Standardized testing is changing, but it’s still relevant. Whether your teen is gearing up for the SAT, ACT, PSAT—or hasn’t decided yet—this is the time to map it out.

Ask yourself:

• 🧠 What tests should my teen take?
• 📅 When are the ideal test dates?
• 📘 Do we need test prep support?
• ☀️ How can we use summer to reduce stress in the fall?

Even if your teen is test-optional bound, knowing the landscape matters. Don’t wait until senior year to cram it all in.

🧭 2. Plan for College Visits

College visits aren’t just for juniors and seniors. Even underclassmen benefit from seeing campuses—whether in person or virtually.

Quick win: Schedule one or two visits this summer, or sit down together and take a few virtual tours.

You’ll learn:

• 🏙️ What your teen likes (urban? rural? big? small?)
• 💸 What’s financially feasible
• 🎯 What type of college fits them best

Pro tip: Let your teen take notes after each visit. That reflection will be gold during essay season.

🎤 3. Encourage Summer Activities That Tell a Story

Colleges want to see who your teen really is—beyond grades and scores. Summer is the time to show that.

Great options include:

• 💼 Paid or volunteer work
• 📚 Academic programs or camps
• 👩‍🔬 Internships or job shadowing
• 📝 Passion projects (starting a blog, podcast, or tutoring others)

Help your child do something meaningful this summer—and then make sure it’s documented on their activities list and résumé!

🚀 Don’t Let Summer Catch You Off Guard

Parents, we know you’re busy. And the college admissions process can feel overwhelming. But tackling these 3 things now will make everything easier when fall comes.

Need a second set of eyes on your plan? We’re here to help.

📅 Schedule a FREE Discovery Call with us today

🙋‍♀️ Join our Facebook group: College Admissions Advice for Parents

🎥 Watch the full video: 3 Critical College Planning Tips Before the School Year Ends