Summer break is more than just time off, it's an opportunity. What I've found over the years is that how a student uses these months doesn't need to be complicated to be impactful. But it does need to be intentional.
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Whether your child is just starting high school or heading into senior year, summer can play a meaningful role in building confidence, exploring interests, and easing the pressure before the school year ramps up again. The good news? There's room to do all of that and still rest. Here are five ways I guide students to make the most of their summer:

1. Start With What Genuinely Interests Them
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The best place to begin is wherever your student's curiosity already lives: a subject they enjoy, a field they've wondered about, or a skill they've wanted to try. That might look like earning an online certificate in AI or coding, job shadowing in finance or healthcare, working as a counselor-in-training at a camp, or attending an immersive program in cancer research, engineering, or aviation. The options are wide, and cost doesn't have to be a barrier, as many meaningful experiences are free or low-cost.
The key is that summer should feel different from the school year. This isn't about grades or checking boxes. It's about learning what they love and, equally valuable, learning what they don't. That kind of self-knowledge goes a long way as they choose majors and research college choices.

2. Prioritize Depth Over a Packed Schedule
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Students don't need to fill every week with activities. In fact, I'd encourage you to resist that impulse. What matters far more than volume is purpose. A part-time job, consistent volunteer work for a cause they care about (food insecurity, veterans' services, environmental advocacy), or even a self-directed project can be just as formative as a formal program. I've seen students grow tremendously from a summer job, learning to show up on time, navigate different personalities, and take responsibility. Those are life skills that matter. One experience that your student genuinely commits to and learns from will always carry more weight, for them and for college applications, than a long list of disconnected activities that they dabbled in.

3. Use Summer to Take a Little Pressure Off the School Year
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Summer can be a great time to get ahead in small, manageable ways, and parents can help by framing this as relief, not more work. Some students benefit from knocking out a graduation requirement (Communications, Government, PE) or exploring a new subject (Psychology, Nutrition) to open up room in their school year schedule. Others may want to retake a course where they earned a C or below, begin standardized test prep, or preview material for an upcoming AP class. For some students, simply reading for enjoyment is exactly the right goal. Even a little preparation now can make September feel significantly more manageable.

4. For Juniors and Seniors: Don't Wait on the College Process
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Summer is genuinely one of the best times for rising juniors and seniors to make progress on college planning, because for once, there's actually time to pause and reflect. This is when students can research schools thoughtfully, explore potential majors, visit campuses, and begin understanding financial aid and scholarships. Yes, it's not too early to start applying for scholarships, as many have fall deadlines. Rising seniors who use summer to draft their Common Application essay, fill out the Common App main section, and build their résumé will thank themselves in September and October, when school, activities, and deadlines all hit at once.

5. Protect Their Rest — It's Not Optional
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This is the piece that most often gets cut, and it's often the most important. Students genuinely need time away from structure and pressure. That means sleep, unscheduled days, time with friends and family, and space to just be. Encouraging a break from social media during part of the summer can make a real difference, too. Burnout is real, and I see the effects every fall. Students who return rested and recharged are simply better positioned to do well, academically, socially, and emotionally.

A successful summer isn't about doing everything. It's about being thoughtful in what your student chooses to pursue and equally thoughtful about what they skip. The right mix looks different for every student, but in general, exploring new areas and learning new skills,  whether at a job, volunteering, program or at home, is incredibly valuable. Getting a clearer sense of self? Priceless. Enjoy your summer break.

5. They Have Strong Back-Up Plans
Even the most competitive candidates are not guaranteed an appointment or scholarship.
Successful students:

• Apply to multiple commissioning pathways
• Consider ROTC scholarships alongside academies
• Understand preparatory programs and foundation scholarship options
• Are open to reapplying if needed
• Know how to “walk on” to ROTC and earn scholarships later

They are committed to becoming officers—not just to one specific path.

Pro Tip:
Focus on the end goal, not just the entry point. There are multiple ways to earn a commission—and flexibility is key.

Final Thoughts: It’s About More Than a Résumé
At the end of the day, these programs are not just selecting students—they are selecting future officers and leaders.
The students who succeed:

• Take initiative
• Seek growth
• Stay disciplined
• Think strategically
• And remain resilient throughout the process

​These are the same traits they will need to lead others one day. I can’t emphasize enough how important these skills are for college admission, and life.

2. Not All Targets Are the Same
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Within the target category, there are actually different levels of competitiveness.

Comfortable Targets
You have a strong chance of admission based on your academic profile.

Medium Targets
You are competitive, but admission is not guaranteed.

High Targets
You are a strong academic match, but the school is extremely selective and may have large application pools. Even strong applicants may be deferred, waitlisted, or denied.

Because of this, students should avoid creating lists filled entirely with high targets, since those outcomes can still be unpredictable.

3. Why Balance Matters
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A strong college list is balanced. Most lists should include:
2-3 likely schools, 4-6 target schools, and no more than three reach schools.
Applying to numerous reach schools does not increase the odds of admission. Instead, it often leads to more applications, more essays, and more stress without improving outcomes.
The goal is to build a list that gives students excellent choices next spring.

4. Academic Fit Matters
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One of the first things I analyze when categorizing schools is how a student’s academic profile compares to admitted students.
This includes:

• GPA and course rigor
• SAT and/or ACT scores (if submitting)
• Academic and activity fit to major
• Academic trends over time

I compare these to published admission data and institutional priorities and trends to determine where a student is most competitive. Several public schools limit out-of-state enrollment which may make admissions more competitive. In many instances, out-of-state admission rates are lower than in-state student admission rates.

7. Some Schools Are Simply Unpredictable

There are also institutions that can be difficult to categorize.
I often refer to these as “unpredictable” schools.
This can include:

• Many University of California campuses
• impacted California State University campuses
• A few highly selective public flagship universities, especially if they give preference to in-state applicants (ex. Georgia Tech, University of Michigan, University of Virginia, etc).

These schools often receive very large numbers of applications, making outcomes less predictable even for strong students. The three schools listed above are considered some of the Public Ivy’s–the most selective public schools in the US.

Students should include only a small number of these schools on their lists. 

8. How Many Schools Should Students Apply To?

Each student’s list is different. I have had students apply to as little as four schools or as many  as 24 schools (I don’t recommend this).  Every school on your list should be one you have vetted and are excited to go to. There should be multiple majors and activities you are interested in. The vast majority of your schools should be financially doable (with merit and financial aid). Be sure to run net price calculators on each school and research the average merit aid award (if given) before deciding to apply. With this in mind, many students I work with apply to 10-15 schools. However, if you are satisfied with a smaller number and they meet the criteria above, go for it.

Some students may apply to more schools if they:

• Are applying to very competitive majors 
• Need to compare financial aid offers  
• Are seeking merit aid 
• Are pursuing highly selective institutions to balance out their list
• Have large numbers of in-state public schools (ex. UC and CSU schools)

​The goal is not to apply everywhere, but to apply strategically and thoughtfully.

Why Are These Tests Important in Admissions?
Even in the era of “test-optional,” standardized tests still matter.
Here’s why:

1. Academic Readiness Indicator
Admissions offices use scores to assess:

• College-level math readiness
• Reading comprehension
• Writing mechanics
• Academic talents

More and more colleges are returning to standardized test-taking, including Southern and Midwestern flagships. Examples include Purdue University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Tennessee. Most of the Ivy League institutions are again requiring them. 

2. Merit Scholarship Consideration
Many colleges use SAT/ACT scores to award merit-based scholarships — sometimes automatically.
Strong scores can mean:

• Thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars per year
• Honors college invitations

Better chances of admission in impacted and competitive majors like engineering, computer science, nursing and business

3. Institutional Reporting 
Colleges report test score averages for rankings and accreditation. Strong test score applicants help strengthen a school’s profile and can sometimes aid a slightly weaker academic profile. Schools not requiring them may highly encourage students to take them. Applicants with lower scores may choose to not submit. But those with higher scores are helping raise college academic profiles. This can inflate score averages (FYI) but an also benefit strong test takers.

4. Military and ROTC Programs
For students pursuing ROTC scholarships or Service Academies, strong test scores remain a significant factor in competitiveness.

Need Help Deciding Between the SAT and ACT?

Every student is different. If your family would like guidance on diagnostics, test selection, or building a preparation timeline that fits into your larger college roadmap, I invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports your student’s strengths — and reduces the overwhelm.
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Lisa Hillhouse
Hillhouse College and Career Advising, LLC

FRESHMAN YEAR — Build the Foundation
Focus: habits, exploration, and awareness

• Focus on academics and athletics
• Explore leadership and service opportunities
• Develop strong habits in academics, organization, and time management
• Explore different military branch cultures and career opportunities
• Create a resume to track academic, leadership, athletic, and military-related activities
• Review medical standards early

Are there potential issues that could affect eligibility later?

If you’re the parent of a middle or high school student, you’ve probably heard that college planning starts “early.” But what does that really mean—and when is the right time to begin?
The truth is, college planning isn’t a single event or a checklist you tackle during the fall of senior year. It’s a process that unfolds over time. Starting early allows students and families to make thoughtful decisions, reduce stress, and identify colleges that are the right academic, social, and financial fit.​

Middle School: Laying the Foundation
College may feel far away in middle school, but this is an important time to:

• Build strong study habits and time-management skills
• Explore the high school curriculum, especially math and foreign languages, since some students may be ready for high-school-level coursework early
• Encourage reading, curiosity, and exploration, which often spark long-term academic interests
• Begin conversations about personal interests, strengths, and life goals

For parents: Start researching the cost of college and thinking about a realistic family budget.
There’s no need for test prep or campus tours yet. The focus should simply be on building a strong academic and personal foundation.

9th and 10th Grade: Exploring Interests and Building Credentials
Freshman and sophomore years are about exploration and growth:

• Challenge yourself with appropriate academic rigor (honors, AP, or advanced classes when it makes sense)
• Get involved in meaningful activities—sports, clubs, volunteering, camps, and/or part-time jobs
• Begin assembling a resume and update it each semester; aim for balance and depth
• Start noticing what you enjoy and where you thrive academically and socially
• Use summers and school breaks to explore interests through work, volunteering, or enrichment programs related to potential majors

Families may also start casually visiting local colleges to get a feel for different campus environments—large vs. small, urban vs. rural, public vs. private.

11th Grade: The Heart of College Planning
Junior year is when college planning moves into full swing:

• Take a practice SAT or ACT early and determine which test suits you best, how you’ll prepare, and when you’ll test
• Take the PSAT (for practice and National Merit consideration)
• Explore careers and academic majors
• Define your college criteria, including academic rigor, campus culture, and financial fit
• Research colleges carefully (take notes!) and build a balanced college list with several likely and target, and some reach schools
• Visit campuses, attend information sessions, and meet college representatives at school and college fairs
• Begin working on application materials, especially for competitive programs, ROTC scholarships, or service academies
• Ask teachers for letters of recommendation
• Decide whether you will apply for financial aid, and ensure students understand the family budget and expectations

12th Grade: Finalizing and Applying
By the summer before senior year, students should ideally be:

• Finalizing their college list
• Drafting and refining the main college essay
• Completing standardized testing
• Updating their resume
• Starting the Common Application
• Continuing to research colleges to confirm fit

In the fall of senior year:

• Compose supplemental essays.
• Complete all applications thoughtfully and early
• Ensure counselor and teacher recommendations are submitted
• Order official test score reports (if required)
• Attend fall open houses and virtual events
• Apply for financial aid
• Stay engaged in academics and activities while balancing senior-year demands

The Bottom Line
So, when should you start planning for college? Earlier than most families think. Middle school is the time to build habits and explore interests, while junior year requires a more structured, intentional approach.
There are also many additional pieces—interviews, honors college applications, and scholarship submissions to name a few, that add complexity to the process. Having a trusted adviser can help families stay organized, reduce stress, and make informed decisions.
Starting early empowers students to take ownership of their journey and increases the likelihood they’ll find colleges where they will truly thrive—and where parents are happy (and confident) to see them go.

Ready to Start Planning with Confidence?
Every student’s college journey looks different, and knowing when and how to start can feel overwhelming. A little guidance early on can make a big difference.
I offer a complimentary family consultation to help parents and students:

• Understand where they are in the college planning process
• Identify next steps based on grade level and goals
• Discuss academic planning, extracurricular strategy, and college fit
• Ask questions about costs, timelines, and expectations

If you’d like support creating a clear, personalized plan, I’d love to help.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute family consult and take the first step toward a less stressful, more intentional college journey.
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www.calendly.com/hillhousecollegeadvising