Summer Plans for the Junior Class

Calling all Juniors!

Junior year is the perfect time to start thinking about your summer plans. The choices you make this summer can have a real impact on both your college search and your future applications. Below are 10 ways to make the most of your summer and set yourself up for success.

1. Make a Plan
Have real, honest conversations about college with your family. Consider things like distance from home, early decision vs. non-binding, and budget. Having these discussions in the summer will lead to a less stressful school year. In addition, you can schedule a meeting(s) with your college counselor throughout the summer.
 

2. Demonstrate Interest
Attend information sessions, college visits, and financial aid or major related programs. Online engagement matters too, open college emails, click links, attend virtual events, and spend authentic time learning about each school. College admission and financial aid offices track this.

3. Commit to an Experience
Whether it is a job, internship, research, service experience, or family responsibility, it doesn’t matter what you do. Colleges love to see that you’ve demonstrated responsibility, growth, and sustained commitment over time.
 

4. Be Strategic About Test Prep
While many schools remain test optional, elite institutions are trending back toward requiring scores. Strong testing can also help dramatically with scholarships. With some preparation through a structured program you can significantly strengthen your scores and application. You can also ask the college counseling office for online preparation resources.
 

5. Summer Programs
A summer program aligned with your intended major can add value to your future application, especially if connected to your top choice school. Be cautious of programs that are “connected” to colleges but not actually run by those institutions. These are often expensive and can feel transactional, and admission counselors know the difference. The same applies to highly advertised “passion projects”, colleges are not looking for manufactured experiences. (See college counseling for a list of recommended Summer Programs!)
 

6. Work on Supplemental Essay
Colleges will release their supplemental essay prompts throughout the summer. You don’t need a final draft, but brainstorming stories, reflecting on an experience, and writing down some ideas can give you a great start.

7. Review Your Social Media. Make sure you are presenting yourself well on social media, in the case that any colleges search you online.
 

8. Athletes
Continue communicating with coaches, updating them, attending prospect days, and navigating the recruitment process. Summer is prime time for visibility.
 

9. Artists: Build the Portfolio
Start (or polish) your portfolio now. This will be a major component of your application and often carries as much weight as academics.
 

10. Enjoy the break
Rest, relax, and come back to Perkiomen in August energized and ready to go!

Learn More

College Counseling at Perkiomen School