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Posts tagged Summer Planning
The summer before 9th grade is the perfect time for students to start exploring their interests and taking their extracurricular pursuits to the next level. By thoughtfully planning summer activities that balance exploration, productivity, and downtime, you can help your child transition confidently into high school. Encourage them to try new things, take on challenges, and enjoy the adventure of personal growth. With the right mix of support and independence, your teen will be ready to start 9th grade with excitement and confidence.
Most high school students have no idea what career path or college major they might pursue. However, many colleges ask students to indicate their major on their application and some (like state flagships such as the University of Texas at Austin) actually evaluate their application based on their fit to that major. That means that students need to explore potential careers and majors in high school to be able to demonstrate their fit to major on their resume.
The summer before high school is the perfect time for students to continue exploring their interests (or trying new things) and taking their extracurricular pursuits to the next level. As you plan out your rising freshman’s upcoming summer break, you might want to consider specialized summer programs, which can help students learn new skills, gain independence, make new friends, and try out areas of interest they may not have the time to do during the school year.
As students start thinking about summer planning, they might want to see if a summer class would help them achieve a specific goal.
Looking to make your summer unforgettable while boosting your college applications? Competitive summer programs offer the chance to explore your passions, build new skills, and connect with like-minded peers in prestigious academic settings. Whether it’s cutting-edge STEM research, advanced math, or engaging humanities discussions, these programs help you grow academically, socially, and personally. While highly selective, with acceptance rates as low as 3%, thoughtful preparation can help you secure a spot in these transformative experiences.
Summer is no longer just a break from school—it’s a launchpad for growth and discovery. From internships and creative projects to community initiatives, summer activities give teenagers the chance to explore passions, build leadership skills, and create meaningful impact. These experiences not only help students thrive in high school but also strengthen their college applications by showcasing their initiative and character. The best part? It’s about more than impressing admissions—it’s about helping teens uncover who they are and where they want to go.
Colleges are looking for more than just grades—they want students who lead, create, and collaborate. Summer programs offer high school students the chance to build 10 key skills, from leadership to critical thinking, that set them apart in college admissions and life. As Duke University admissions puts it, colleges seek “ambitious and curious” students ready to tackle challenges head-on. The right summer program can help students grow, explore their passions, and shine on their applications.
Although the thermometer might say it’s winter, summer will be here before you know it. If your teen is interested in a specialty summer program in areas like STEM, business, healthcare, or even the military, it's time to start researching options. Many of these focused programs have early application deadlines that fall during January and February. Below are just a few that require early applications.
Summer planning looks different at every stage of high school. Freshman year is a time for exploration and trying new activities, while junior year is all about leadership, impact, and aligning experiences with college and career goals. From discovering new passions to drafting college essays, each step helps students build a compelling story for admissions. Ready to help your student make the most of their summers? Check out this mini- guide for actionable, grade-specific advice to unlock their full potential!
Summer offers a fantastic opportunity for high school students to explore their interests in social sciences and history and gain valuable experiences without the need to spend money. By engaging in free activities related to these fields, students can gain a better understanding of what majors in social sciences and history entail and determine if they align with their passions and career aspirations. These hands-on experiences not only provide valuable insights but also help students stand out in the competitive college admissions process. The best part is that these activities are accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation.
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