What High School Students Should Do at the End of the School Year and to Prepare for Summer
– A Critical Turning Point Toward College Admission: How Should Students Prepare?
As the end of May and beginning of June approach, high school students across the U.S. begin wrapping up their academic year. But this isn’t just the “end” of a school year—it’s a critical bridge to the next stage of academic and personal development.
In particular, summer vacation is not just a break. When approached with intention, it becomes one of the most valuable windows for academic growth, college preparation, and personal reflection. This article offers a clear roadmap of what students should focus on, grade by grade, as the school year ends and summer begins.
✅ For All Grade Levels: Core Priorities Right Now
1. Prepare for AP Exams (Early May)
AP exams serve as important indicators of academic strength in the college admissions process. With tests held in early May, students should focus on practice exams, concept review, and study group sessions to prepare thoroughly.
2. Commit to Summer Reading
Reading over the summer helps expand vocabulary, improve writing, and develop critical thinking. These skills are essential for success not only in school but also on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. Students should read a balanced mix of fiction, nonfiction, and subject-specific books aligned with their academic interests.
✅ 9th Grade (Rising 10th Graders): Laying the Foundation
1. Reflect and Set New Goals
The end of 9th grade is the perfect time to reflect on what went well, what could have gone better, and what goals to set for the upcoming school year.
2. Take Summer Classes or Earn Credits
Students can use the summer to fulfill graduation requirements, take AP or honors classes not offered at their school, or explore new subjects through online high schools or local community colleges.
3. Join a Summer Program
From library workshops to online camps and local events, summer programs offer great ways to explore new fields and spark new interests.
4. Try an Independent Project
Build a basic website, write a short story, or conduct a home science experiment. Self-driven learning builds curiosity and initiative—qualities that colleges value.
5. Preview AP Courses
For many students, 10th grade is the first experience with AP-level coursework. Previewing AP Biology, Calculus, or other subjects over the summer helps ease the transition.
6. Visit College Campuses
Start locally by visiting a variety of schools (small liberal arts, large public universities, private research institutions). Use campus maps for self-guided tours or attend formal information sessions if possible.
✅ 10th Grade (Rising 11th Graders): Deepening Interests & Starting Test Prep
1. Begin Focused SAT/ACT Prep
Though some colleges remain test-optional, strong test scores still offer a competitive advantage. Summer is the ideal time to enroll in a prep course or start a disciplined self-study plan.
2. Choose a Meaningful Summer Program
Use the summer to explore specific subjects or develop strengths. Strong summer programs help students identify their academic passions and gain exposure to college-level learning.
3. Upgrade Independent Projects
Go deeper with your creative and academic pursuits—develop an app, conduct research, start a blog, or even launch a community project.
4. Explore Career Paths
Participate in internships, online courses, shadowing experiences, or research opportunities to learn more about possible college majors or future careers.
5. Preview Challenging AP Courses
Since junior year is often the most demanding academically, it’s wise to preview courses like AP Chemistry, AP U.S. History, or AP Calculus over the summer.
6. Begin Building a College List
Start researching colleges that may be a good academic, social, and financial fit. Explore their academic offerings, campus life, cost, and values.
✅ 11th Grade (Rising 12th Graders): Entering the Application Phase
1. Ask for Teacher Recommendations
By the end of junior year, students should ask two teachers for college recommendations. Some teachers limit the number of letters they write or prefer to write them over the summer, so early requests are best.
2. Retake the SAT/ACT If Needed
Fall is typically the final opportunity to take standardized tests before college applications. Many colleges superscore, so taking the test more than once can be beneficial.
3. Enroll in Advanced Summer Programs
Students should aim to participate in more selective academic programs (in STEM, humanities, economics, etc.) to demonstrate intellectual curiosity and initiative.
4. Take Independent Projects Further
Start a podcast, publish a blog series, create a YouTube channel, or build a digital product. Colleges want to see students who take ownership of their interests.
5. Preview 12th Grade AP Courses
Getting a head start on 12th grade AP coursework over the summer will lighten the load during application season.
6. Start Writing College Essays
Begin working on your Common App personal statement. If applying Early Decision or Early Action (typically due mid-October to early November), starting in the summer is essential.
7. Finalize Your College List
Aim to apply to 8–12 schools. Research each school’s supplemental essay questions and understand how your profile matches the college’s academic and cultural environment.
✅ 12th Grade: Finalizing the Journey
1. Finish Strong Academically
Colleges do review final transcripts. A drop in grades during senior spring can lead to revoked offers. Stay focused and maintain strong performance through the end.
2. Choose Your School by May 1
Weigh all factors: major, tuition, financial aid, campus environment, and long-term opportunities. Commit to one college by the National Decision Deadline.
3. Submit Required Materials
Ensure that final transcripts, SAT/ACT scores (if required), and AP exam scores (typically sent in July) are sent to your chosen college.
4. Prepare for College Transition
Use the summer to complete orientation, housing forms, health records, and enjoy time with family before starting college life.
✅ Final Thought: “Intentional Effort Matters More Than Overplanning”
You don’t need to overwhelm yourself with a packed summer schedule. Instead, ask yourself:
👉 “What do I want to gain from this summer?”
Whether it’s raising your SAT score, exploring a major, launching a project, or simply reading more, your efforts—when intentional—can make a powerful impact.
🎯 The end of the school year is not the end. It’s the beginning of something meaningful.
With purpose, summer can become a time of personal growth, academic preparation, and discovery.
Thank you for reading!
Andy Lee
Elite Prep Suwanee powered by Elite Open School
📍 1291 Old Peachtree Rd, NW #127, Suwanee, GA 30024
🌐 eliteprep.com/suwanee
📧 andy.lee@eliteprep.com
📞 Tel & Text: 470.253.1004
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