- Admit U
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
End-of-Year Checklist: How Sophomores & Juniors Can Prep for a Productive Summer
As the school year begins to wind down, high school sophomores and juniors with college ambitions should use this time strategically. Whether you’re gearing up for applications next year or building the foundation for a strong academic and extracurricular profile, taking a few key steps now can set you up for a productive summer (and a less stressful fall).
For High School Juniors: Laying the Groundwork for Applications
By this time next year, you’ll be finalizing your college decision, so now is a great time to get ahead. Here’s what you can do before summer to stay on track:
📜 Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
Ask two teachers—ideally from core subjects (English, math, science, history, or world languages)—for letters of recommendation. Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths beyond just grades. Don’t wait until the end of the year to ask!
🎯 Narrow Your College List
Use this time to research colleges, visit campuses (virtually or in person), and refine your list. Make sure you have a balance of reach, match, and safety schools. By the end of summer, you should have a working list of 8-12 colleges that fit your academic and personal goals. ➡️ Want more information about campus tours? Check out Admit U’s recent blog and reel on the topic!
📝 Prepare for the SAT or ACT
If you haven’t taken standardized tests yet (or want to improve your score), sign up for a summer test date and create a study plan now. Many students find they have more time to focus on test prep in the summer.
✍️ Draft Your College Essay
The 2025-26 Common App essay prompts are already available, so start brainstorming and drafting early. Summer is the perfect time to focus on your Personal Essay without the pressure of schoolwork. You also want to leave time to work on additional supplemental essays available after August 1, so get the Personal Essay done first.
🚀 Plan for Summer Activities That Boost Your Application
Colleges love to see meaningful engagement outside the classroom. Line up a summer job, internship, research opportunity, community service project, or independent passion project that aligns with your interests and demonstrates initiative.
For High School Sophomores: Building a Strong Foundation
Sophomore year is a critical time to explore interests and strengthen your academic and extracurricular profile. Here’s what you should do before the year ends:
📚 Reflect on Your Academic Strengths & Challenges
Review your grades and course requests. Are you challenging yourself appropriately in areas of interest and strength? Talk to your counselor about taking AP, honors, or dual enrollment courses next year to add more rigor to your transcript.
🏫 Start Exploring Colleges
It’s never too early to begin researching colleges. Follow schools on social media, attend virtual info sessions, and visit nearby campuses. This will give you a better sense of what you're looking for when it’s time to build a college list. ➡️ Want more information about campus tours? Check out Admit U’s recent blog and reel on the topic!
🎭 Strengthen Your Extracurriculars
Colleges look for depth, not just breadth, in activities. Identify 2-3 extracurriculars you truly enjoy and consider taking on leadership roles or spearheading a new initiative. Look for summer programs, internships, or projects that align with your interests.
📖 Consider Taking the PSAT or PreACT
These preliminary tests help you get familiar with standardized testing and provide early feedback on college-readiness skills. Use the summer to review test-taking strategies and identify areas for improvement.
🌟 Set Goals for a Productive Summer
Think about what you want to accomplish before junior year—whether it’s boosting your GPA, developing a new skill, or deepening your extracurricular involvement. Setting clear goals now will help you maximize your productivity over the summer.
No matter where you are in your high school journey, the key to a successful summer (and stress-free college process) is preparation. By tackling these steps now, you’ll enter the next school year ahead of the game.
📌 Need personalized guidance? Our expert consultants can help you navigate the process with confidence. Contact an Admit U counselor today!
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