College Prep Checklist for the Summer Before Freshman Year

All your hard work building sensible study habits and improving grades during your early school years pays off once high school starts. Additionally, you’ll now have the exciting opportunity to start fleshing out your high school resume. While college may seem far off, the steps you take now can build a strong foundation for future success.

The summer before your freshman year of high school is the perfect time to prepare. By focusing on building skills, exploring interests, and strengthening habits, you will set yourself up for a rewarding high school experience and an easier college application process later.

Here is a comprehensive college prep checklist to guide your summer planning.

Set Academic Goals

The transition from middle school to high school often brings new academic challenges. Use the summer to reflect on your strengths and areas for growth. Setting clear goals can help you approach high school with purpose.

• Evaluate past performance: Review your middle school report cards and teacher feedback. Identify subjects where you excelled and areas that may need improvement.
• Plan for success: Create a list of objectives, such as finding the best fit schools, maintaining a specific GPA, improving study habits, or excelling in a favorite subject.
• Discuss with mentors: Talk to your parents, teachers, and/or a guidance counselor to ensure your list is realistic and aligned with your long-term aspirations.

 

Strengthen Study Skills

Effective study habits are essential for navigating high school’s academic demands. Summer is an excellent time to refine these skills and practice strategies that will help you succeed.

Focus on time management by experimenting with tools like planners, calendars, or apps to organize tasks and track deadlines. Develop elevated reading skills such as summarizing, annotating, and identifying key ideas in texts.

Explore techniques for note-taking, like Cornell notes or mind mapping, to find a style that works best for you. Use resources like Pomodoro timers to improve concentration and break tasks into manageable chunks.

 

Read Regularly

Reading is one of the most effective ways to improve your vocabulary, critical thinking, and comprehension—skills vital for standardized tests and college applications. Liven up your summer reading list with fiction, non-fiction, biographies, and academic texts to expand your knowledge and interests.

Join local or virtual book clubs to make reading more engaging. It’s a great idea to keep a journal of the books you’ve read and your thoughts on them, simultaneously sharpening your writing skills. This can later serve as inspiration for essays or interviews.

 

Explore Extracurricular Interests

Colleges value students with a passion for extracurricular activities. Use the summer to discover hobbies or deepen existing interests. Try new activities like sports, arts, or STEM camps to explore what you enjoy.

Find local volunteer opportunities to contribute to your community and develop leadership skills. Look online for courses or tutorials to master a hobby like coding, cooking, or playing a musical instrument.

 

Start Building a Resume

While it’s early in your academic journey, keeping track of your achievements can help when it’s time to apply for colleges, internships, or scholarships. Create a simple document to log awards, volunteer hours, and participation in clubs or events.

Including transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving will help you best utilize your summers for college prep. Once you have the document in place, go back and add new accomplishments as they occur to maintain an up-to-date record.

 

Understand High School Requirements

Familiarize yourself with your high school’s academic structure to ensure you’re on the right track from the start.

• Research graduation requirements: Know how many credits you need in core subjects like math, science, and language arts.
• Plan for advanced classes: If available, identify honors or Advanced Placement (AP) courses you may want to take in the future.
• Explore extracurricular options: Check out clubs, sports teams, and other activities offered at your school.

 

Build Relationships with Teachers and Counselors

The people you meet in high school can have a significant impact on your college application process. Summer is a great time to start connecting with educators and mentors. Be sure to participate in any school-hosted events to meet teachers, counselors, and classmates and stand out among the crowd.

Reach out to school staff to clarify expectations, course offerings, or extracurricular opportunities. Follow up on relationships and seek advice from professionals in your field of interest, including teachers and counselors, to form strong and lasting relationships.

 

Develop Healthy Habits

Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal time requires good habits. Start cultivating these skills over the summer.

• Prioritize sleep: Establish a routine that ensures you get 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
• Exercise regularly: Incorporate physical activity to boost energy and reduce stress.
• Practice self-care: Learn techniques like mindfulness, journaling, or meditation to manage anxiety and stay focused.

 

Foster Independence

High school demands a greater level of independence compared to middle school. Use the summer to practice managing responsibilities. Practice organization by creating a dedicated area for studying and keeping school supplies.

Take charge of tasks like packing lunches, managing your schedule, or organizing transportation. Practice budgeting, cooking, or doing laundry to prepare for future independence. This will take the stress off living on your own in college so you can focus on having academic success.

 

Begin Exploring Colleges

While college may feel distant, it’s never too early to start learning about your options. Research local colleges and seek out virtual tours to see what each campus has to offer. Talk to family members or friends who have something to share about their college experiences and what they wish they would have known as early as freshman year in high school.

 

Enjoy Your High School Experience

Finally, remember to enjoy this exciting time in your life. While preparation is important, so is making memories and savoring the experience of starting high school. Spend time with friends and family and strengthen relationships that support and inspire you.

Acknowledge your hard work and take pride in your efforts. As opportunities come up, challenge yourself to try new things and make new friends. Doing so will make your high school experience that much better.

 

It’s Never Too Early to Have College on Your Mind

The summer before your freshman year of high school is a crucial time to lay the groundwork for your future. Whether it’s setting academic goals, exploring interests, or building healthy habits, every effort you make now will pay off in the years to come.

Start today with Spark Admissions, and we can help set you up for a successful and rewarding high school experience that will contribute to your eventual college admissions successes.

Read more about our 9th grade college admissions consulting program here.

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