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January 7th Webinar at 6:00 pm CST
Creating a Summer Plan That Combines Growth, Balance, and Admissions Impact
Summer is more than a break from school. It is a powerful chance for your teen to explore new interests, build confidence, and signal college readiness in ways grades and test scores cannot. In this 8th annual webinar, our counselors will show you how admissions officers really view summer choices and why the right experiences can set your teen apart. You will learn how to identify programs, internships, jobs, or independent projects that highlight initiative and connect to future majors while still leaving time for rest and recovery.
We will share proven strategies for creating a summer plan that feels intentional without overwhelming your family. From balancing enrichment with downtime to choosing opportunities that add depth to your student’s story, you will leave with a clear framework for designing a summer that supports well-being and strengthens college applications. This is your chance to start the year with a plan that combines growth, balance, and lasting admissions impact.
DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO
Summer Planning
For many of today's college-bound high school students, the summer is no longer nine weeks of total relaxation, but rather an opportunity to spend time actively working, learning new skills, or diving deeper into an area (or areas) of interest. This complete guide to summer planning walks you through the various types of summer opportunities — from volunteer work to independent projects, and everything in between — and offers tips for how your student can take their involvement up a notch during the summer.
Plan your summer with our AI Summer Planner
Tell us your interests and preferences, and our AI assistant will help you find the best summer activities for you. You might even be surprised by what you discover.
You might also be interested in these resources!
Every September, the new U.S. News college rankings arrive and families treat them like gospel. A school climbs five spots and parents cheer. A school slips seven and families start crossing it off the list. The trap is thinking those numbers reflect what your teen’s actual experience will be. They don’t.
When test-optional policies became widespread, many families assumed the SAT and ACT no longer mattered. “If it’s optional,” parents asked, “why put my child through the stress?” The reality is that scores still matter—a lot. At many colleges, students who submit test scores are admitted at much higher rates than those who don’t. The question isn’t whether tests matter. The question is whether your teen’s scores will strengthen or weaken their application.
Most families think of public universities as the affordable choice. For in-state students, that is usually true. But once you cross state lines, the story changes. Out-of-state public universities often charge $60,000 to $75,000 a year with little or no merit aid. In many cases, these bills are higher than private colleges that look more expensive on paper but reduce costs through scholarships. Families who do not run the numbers can be caught off guard, paying more for less selective public options than they would for selective private ones.
When families see a college’s admit rate, it looks simple. If a school reports an admit rate of 15%, you might assume your student has a one-in-six chance. At colleges that offer Early Decision (ED), the reality is much different. The overall admit rate blends two very different pools: students admitted through binding Early Decision and students admitted through Regular Decision. Because a large portion of the class is already taken in November, the students who apply in January are competing for far fewer seats. That’s why the number that matters most is the effective Regular Decision admit rate —the real odds once Early Decision students have already filled their spots.
Colleges are paying more attention to test scores again, and that makes them an important part of your application. The most helpful scores are in the top quartile, since they back up your grades, improve your chances of getting in, and can lead to scholarships. If you are thinking about majors like computer science, engineering, or business, high math scores matter even more. Admissions officers want to see that you are ready for tough college-level math. Aiming for the 75th percentile or higher is smart, but remember that essays, activities, and who you are as a person also play a big role.
When families talk about careers in business, finance and consulting usually take center stage. But retail is one of the largest and most dynamic industries in the world, shaping everything from what we wear to how we shop online. For students who love fashion, customer experience, or supply chain strategy, retail can lead to a fulfilling and profitable career. The challenge is that families often think only of big-name fashion schools in New York or luxury design houses in Europe. In reality, many excellent colleges across the country quietly prepare students for retail leadership. These hidden gems combine strong academics with industry access, giving graduates a clear path into buying, merchandising, e-commerce, and beyond. Here are ten colleges where students can study retail in a way that prepares them for long-term career success.