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10 Smart Things Rising Seniors Should Do This Summer (2026 Edition)

  • Jun 2
  • 5 min read

Junior year is winding down, and while it might be tempting to coast into summer, this is actually the perfect time to get a head start on senior year. The work you put in now can make your final year of high school smoother, less stressful, and more exciting as you prepare for college, career, and life after graduation.


Here are 10 smart ways to get ahead this summer:


1. Visit Colleges In Person or Virtually

Summer is a great time to schedule college visits. While campuses may be quieter when students are away, you'll often have more flexibility in scheduling tours and meetings with admissions representatives.

As you visit schools, pay attention to more than academics. Consider:

  • Campus size

  • Location (urban, suburban, or rural)

  • Student life

  • Distance from home

  • Available majors and programs

If you aren't able to visit in person, virtual tours can be a great place to start. Websites like CampusReel allow you to explore campuses from anywhere.

Remember: finding the right fit is about more than rankings.


2. Explore Careers Before Choosing a College

Many students spend months researching colleges before they've spent time researching themselves.

Before choosing a college, major, or career path, spend time exploring:

  • Careers that interest you

  • Job shadow opportunities

  • Informational interviews

  • Volunteer experiences

  • Summer jobs and internships

The more you learn about potential careers, the easier it becomes to choose a college path that supports your goals.

A college is simply a vehicle. Understanding where you want to go helps you choose the right one.


3. Discover Your Natural Strengths

One of the biggest mistakes students make is choosing a major based only on interests.

Interests change over time. Your natural abilities tend to stay with you throughout your life.


Understanding your strengths, aptitudes, interests, values, and personality can help you:

  • Choose a major with confidence

  • Avoid costly changes later

  • Identify careers that fit naturally

  • Make smarter educational decisions


At True Compass, we help students discover how they're naturally wired so they can make informed decisions about college and career planning. Schedule a free consultation if you're interested! www.truecompassllc.com


4. Prepare for the ACT or SAT

If you plan to take or retake the ACT or SAT, summer is an excellent time to prepare.

Use:

  • Practice tests

  • Online prep tools

  • Study groups

  • Tutoring services

Even if many colleges remain test-optional, strong scores can still improve admissions opportunities and qualify students for merit scholarships.


Upcoming ACT Test Dates

  • July 11th, 2026

  • September 12, 2026

  • October 24, 2026

  • December 12, 2026


If you're in the Wichita area, The Tutoring Scene in Andover offers ACT preparation and academic tutoring.


5. Create an Activities Resume

Future you will thank present you.


Before senior year gets busy, create a document that includes:

  • Extracurricular activities

  • Volunteer work

  • Leadership positions

  • Jobs and internships

  • Awards and honors

  • Athletic participation

  • Clubs and organizations


You'll use this information repeatedly for:

  • College applications

  • Scholarship applications

  • Recommendation requests

  • Interviews


Having everything in one place saves a tremendous amount of time later.


  1. Create a Common App Account


    Applications won't officially open until August 1, but you can create a Common App account now and begin exploring the platform.


    You'll become familiar with:

    • Application sections

    • Requirements

    • Essay prompts

    • School-specific questions


    Parents may also find it helpful to create a practice account to better understand the process.

    Most of us didn't have a Common App when we applied to college—and certainly not one accessible from our phones!


7. Start Brainstorming College and Scholarship Essays

The Common App personal statement is one of the most important pieces of your college application. You don't need to write the essay this summer, but you should begin thinking about stories, experiences, and lessons that have shaped who you are.


The current Common App prompts include:

  1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.

  2. Describe a time you faced a challenge, setback, or failure and what you learned from the experience.

  3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea.

  4. Reflect on something someone has done for you that made you happy or thankful in a surprising way.

  5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth.

  6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept that captivates you.

  7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice.


The prompt itself is actually less important than many students think. Admissions officers already know your grades and test scores. The essay is a chance to show them the person behind the application. They are primarily interested in:

  • Who you are

  • How you think

  • What you value

  • How you've grown

  • What you'll contribute to their campus community


Many successful essays could fit under multiple prompts. Students often brainstorm their story first and then decide which prompt fits best.


8. Request Letters of Recommendation Early

Think about which teachers know you best, particularly those from your junior-year core classes.

Asking before school starts gives teachers plenty of time to write thoughtful recommendations.


When you ask, consider providing:

  • A resume of activities

  • Future goals

  • Colleges you're considering

  • A brief note explaining why you value their recommendation

The easier you make the process, the stronger the letter is likely to be.


9. Research Scholarships and Prepare for FAFSA

Scholarship deadlines often arrive sooner than students expect.

Start exploring opportunities through:

  • BigFuture Scholarships

  • Going Merry

  • Appily

  • Fastweb

  • Unigo

  • Local community foundations

  • Your school counselor's scholarship page

Create a simple spreadsheet to track:

  • Scholarship name

  • Due date

  • Requirements

  • Status

Parents can also prepare for the FAFSA process by creating their FSA ID and gathering financial documents ahead of time.

A little preparation now can reduce stress later.


10. Build Experience and Enjoy Your Summer

Summer is a great time to strengthen your resume and learn more about yourself.

Consider:

  • Volunteering

  • Part-time employment

  • Job shadowing

  • Community service

  • Summer workshops

  • Leadership opportunities

Every experience teaches you something about:

  • What you enjoy

  • What you don't enjoy

  • Your strengths

  • Your work preferences


  • Potential career interests


For Wichita-area students, organizations like The Learning Lab offer hands-on workshops and opportunities to explore new skills.

And don't forget one important thing:

Spend time with friends. Travel if you can. Relax. Recharge.

Junior year is often one of the most demanding years of high school, and you've earned a break.


Final Thoughts


Senior year will be filled with exciting milestones, important decisions, and memorable experiences. The students who feel the least stressed next year aren't necessarily the smartest or most organized—they're the ones who start preparing early.


Use this summer to explore, plan, and discover more about yourself.

The more clarity you gain now, the more confident you'll feel when it's time to make decisions about college, careers, and your future.



 
 
 
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