If you’re the parent of a high school junior, it probably feels like you’ve blinked—and suddenly, senior year is right around the corner. I’ve been in that boat myself with my two older kids, and I know just how quickly things start to move once junior year winds down. While it’s tempting to exhale and enjoy the slower pace of summer, this transition period is actually one of the most important stretches of the college application journey. Done thoughtfully, these next few months can set your student up for success—and help reduce stress once fall rolls around.
I want to share with you some specific, manageable tasks your student can work on in late junior spring and over the summer. These are real-deal, high-impact steps that will help them build momentum and confidence, while also deepening their sense of purpose and personal direction.
End-of-Junior-Year College Application Tasks
Let’s start with what students can do right now, even before the last bell rings for summer:
- Request teacher recommendations. This is the perfect time to approach teachers for letters. Encourage your student to ask in person (if possible) and follow up with a thoughtful email. Ideally, they’ll ask two core subject teachers who know them well, preferably from junior year.
- Organize a preliminary college list. Using a spreadsheet or online tool like Scoir, College Kickstart, or even a Google Sheet, students can start organizing colleges into categories: Reach, Target, and Likely. This list isn’t final—it’s a living document that will evolve—but it’s helpful to get something on paper.
- Create or update a resume/activity list. Schools often ask for a list of extracurriculars, honors, and work experiences. Putting this together now helps students see their impact, identify areas to grow, and prep for the Common App’s activities section later.
- Start a Common App account. While this year’s Common App officially opens August 1st, your student can make an account now and begin exploring what’s involved. It’s a great way to reduce anxiety and increase familiarity.
- Begin SAT/ACT test prep and register for late summer/fall test dates. If your student is planning to take or retake the SAT or ACT, now is the time to make a plan. Many schools are still test-optional, but strong scores can enhance applications—especially for merit scholarships or competitive majors. Summer offers the space to prepare without the distractions of school. Sign up early for late August or September test dates, and consider a prep course, online program, or self-paced study schedule that aligns with your student’s needs.
Making the Most of Summer: Meaningful Activities with Purpose
Summer doesn’t have to be packed with expensive programs or flashy internships to be valuable. The key is using the time intentionally and meaningfully—and ideally, in ways that align with your student’s academic interests or personal passions.
Here are some resume-worthy ideas:
- Job, internship, or volunteering in a relevant field. If your student is interested in healthcare, volunteering at a hospital or working as a lifeguard can show initiative. A future business major? Working retail, babysitting, or helping with a family business can all count.
- Self-guided or online coursework. Free or low-cost platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy offer courses that students can take to deepen their understanding of a subject. Bonus points if they write about what they learned in an essay later!
- Independent projects. Encourage your student to create something: a blog, a podcast, a short film, an art portfolio. Projects show creativity, follow-through, and a willingness to pursue ideas beyond the classroom.
- Attend local or virtual college events. Many schools offer summer programming for prospective students, from info sessions to admissions Q&As. It’s a great way to demonstrate interest (which some colleges track), and to learn more about the schools on their list.
- Nurture and expand current activities. Is your student already in student government, robotics, or theater? Encourage them to take on a leadership role, start a new initiative, or mentor younger students. Depth matters more than breadth.
College Research and Tours: Building an Informed List
Summer is the ideal time to dig into college research and, if possible, visit campuses. Here’s how students can be intentional:
- Do virtual tours and info sessions. Schools offer robust online experiences now—perfect for exploring distant campuses. Encourage your student to take notes and keep a digital or physical folder with impressions and questions.
- Plan thoughtful in-person visits. If you can visit campuses, focus on a few different types—big, small, urban, suburban—so your student can figure out what environment feels right. Try to attend admissions sessions while you’re there, and always check in officially so your visit is recorded.
- Follow colleges on social media. It may seem small, but engaging with a school’s Instagram or YouTube channel gives students a feel for campus culture and may uncover events or programs they wouldn’t otherwise see.
How Parents Can Support (Without Taking Over)
This stage is full of emotion—for both students and parents. As much as we want to help (and I know this firsthand), it’s vital that students remain the primary drivers of their college process. That said, parents absolutely have an important role to play:
- Be the calendar and logistics manager. Help track deadlines, set up visits, and register for tests or tours. This kind of executive support is often what students need most.
- Provide encouragement, not pressure. Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Let your student know you trust them to find their way, and that you value their input in choosing where to apply and eventually enroll.
- Have open conversations about finances. If cost is a factor, be honest and upfront now. This helps shape a college list with affordability in mind—and prevents heartbreak down the road.
- Encourage rest and balance. The pressure to be “productive” all summer is real. Help your student find time for rest, connection, and fun. This balance matters.
Hot Tips for a Head Start
- Write a first draft of the Common App essay. Brainstorming and writing over the summer lightens the fall load. This is also where I love to come in and guide students in expressing themselves authentically.
- Start a college email. A dedicated Gmail account for college stuff keeps everything organized and makes sure no important messages get buried.
- Keep a journal. Encourage your student to jot down thoughts from college visits, ideas for essays, or reflections about what they want in a school. These notes often turn into gold when it’s time to write.
Ready for a More Confident, Less Stressful College Process?
If you’re looking for expert, personalized support for your rising senior, now is the perfect time to get started. I work one-on-one with students to clarify their goals, craft standout applications, and create a college list that truly fits—academically, socially, emotionally, and financially.
From brainstorming essays to mapping out deadlines, I’ll guide your student every step of the way. Families often tell me that working together not only made the process smoother, but actually enjoyable (yes, really!).
👉 Spots for the Class of 2026 are filling quickly—schedule a free discovery call today to learn more about how I can help your student thrive in this process.
https://app.valenciaeducationalconsulting.com/initialconsult
Let’s make this season one of clarity, confidence, and exciting possibilities—for you and your student.
