College Counseling Blog | The Dunham School | Private PreK-12 | Baton Rouge, LA

The Strategic Summer: A High Schooler's Guide to the College Prep Summer

May 2026

For most students, summer is for recharging. But for high schoolers at any grade level—from rising freshmen to rising seniors—summer is also the most valuable "white space" you have. It is the only time of year you aren't competing with seven classes, sports, and homework for your own attention.

The goal isn't just to stay busy; it’s to be intentional. Here is how to use these months to build a profile that colleges will notice later.
 

1. The "Feet on the Ground" Phase: Campus Visits

You don’t have to be a senior to visit a college. In fact, starting early takes the pressure off.

• The "Low-Stakes" Visit: If you are a freshman or sophomore, don't worry about the admissions office yet. Just walk around. Can you see yourself living there? Does the "vibe" feel too fast, too slow, or just right?
• The "Shadow" Strategy: If the college allows it, eat in the dining hall or sit in on a summer session. Ask a current student: "What is the one thing you’d change about this school?"
• Keep a Journal: After three visits, they all start to look the same. Write down three things you loved and three things you hated about each campus within an hour of leaving.
   

2. The "Number Crunch" Phase: Standardized Testing

Even with "test-optional" policies, strong scores remain a powerful "Gem" in your application.

• The Diagnostic Start: Early in the summer, take a full-length, timed practice test for both the SAT and ACT. Most students naturally score better on one than the other. Pick the one where you felt more comfortable and focus only on that one.
• Consistency Over Cramming: Spending 30 minutes a day on practice problems is infinitely more effective than a 6-hour "cram session" once a week.
• The Early Start: If you are a sophomore, starting light prep now means you won't be scrambling during the high-stress junior year.
   

3. The "Resume Beef-Up": Quality Over Quantity

Admissions officers can spot "resume-stuffing" from a mile away. They aren't looking for a list of ten clubs; they are looking for depth and initiative.

• The Summer Project: Instead of just joining a program, start something. If you love coding, build an app for a local charity. If you love history, start a neighborhood walking tour or a blog. This shows you are a self-starter.
• The "Real World" Job: Never underestimate a "traditional" summer job. Working at a grocery store, as a lifeguard, or as a waitress teaches time management and reliability. These "soft skills" make for excellent essay material.
• Impactful Community Service: Don't just "volunteer" for random hours. Find a cause that aligns with your interests. If you want to study Pre-Med, volunteer at a clinic; if you're an artist, teach free classes at a community center.
   

Summer Milestones by Grade Level

A Note for Parents: Being the "Coach," Not the "Player."

The most productive thing a parent can do is provide the infrastructure rather than the execution:

• The Logistics Manager: Help your student find transportation to visits or jobs, but let them handle the applications and communications.
• The Sounding Board: Listen to their impressions after a visit or a day at work without injecting your own biases first.
• The Encourager: Remind them that a "productive" summer also includes time to breathe. A burnt-out applicant is rarely successful.
• The Golden Rule: Every part of your summer should tell a story. When an admissions officer reads your application, they should be able to look at your summer and say, "I see exactly who this person is and what they care about."