What can we realistically accomplish during the summer?

Probably a lot more than you’re thinking! What we tackle really depends on your child’s current grade level and their specific goals. But generally, summer’s a fantastic window to start building out that college list, brainstorm and draft some essays, or even get a head start on the Common App. It’s also prime time to buckle down for standardized test prep or lay out a solid plan for extracurricular activities for the upcoming school year.

For younger students, summer is just golden for developing a long-term strategy—things like smart course selection, figuring out leadership opportunities, and lining up enriching summer experiences. Every family’s plan is totally customized, of course. Some students really like to frontload their work and get a lot done, while others prefer to just chip away at it slowly. Either way, any progress made during the summer months genuinely lightens that load once the busy fall rolls around.