Summer Before Junior Year Guide to College

The Summer Before Junior Year Guide focuses on using the summer strategically without turning it into a source of pressure or burnout. This season is often filled with conflicting advice and unrealistic expectations.
This guide helps parents identify what is truly worth doing over the summer and what can wait. You will learn how to think about enrichment, testing preparation, and early exploration in a way that supports junior year rather than competes with it.
The goal is a calmer, more intentional transition into the most demanding academic year.
 
What this season is about
This summer sets the tone for junior year. The focus is preparation with purpose, not overload.
What’s included in this guide
Junior Year Jumpstart Kit
Helps families prepare academically and logistically for junior year.
Major Match Kit
Guides students through structured exploration of interests without premature major commitments.
College Fit Scoring Kit
Introduces a clear framework for evaluating colleges based on fit rather than prestige.
Using Net Price Calculators
Teaches families how to estimate real college costs accurately.
Using Common Data Sets
Shows parents how to find and interpret reliable college data.
Reassurance
You do not need a “perfect summer.” This guide helps you prepare intentionally.