Summer College Prep Checklist for High School Families
With roughly one more month until school resumes, there’s still ample time for your child to redeem the time. Review this summer checklist CCA’s School Counseling team put together with your rising high schooler and see what you can still accomplish during these final few weeks of summer!
Do you have a child in high school who is running out of things to do this summer? If so, don’t panic!
With roughly one more month until school resumes, there’s still ample time for your child to redeem the time by taking proactive steps toward preparing for the college application process. It’s never too early to get a head start.
It’s never too early to get a head start.
In Proverbs 6, we are told to look at the wise example of the ant. Verses 7 and 8 state that this tiny but mighty creature “has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
When we take the initiative to plan ahead with diligence — while ultimately recognizing that the Lord is the one who determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9) — we can reap blessings like peace, knowledge, opportunities, and so much more.
This month, set aside some time to review this summer checklist put together by CCA’s School Counseling team with your rising freshmen, sophomore, junior, and/or senior, and see what you can still accomplish during these final few weeks of summer!
Summer Goals for Rising Freshmen and Sophomores
Create and link a College Board account with your Khan Academy account (a free resource!) to begin PSAT prep
Did you know?
The PSAT/NMSQT exam students take in their junior year can qualify them for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Many CCA alumni like the ones featured in this article have been offered full and partial scholarships to universities because of this prestigious designation!
Work on any summer reading and math assignments you may have been assigned.The PSAT/NMSQT exam students take in their junior year can qualify them for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Many CCA alumni like the ones featured in this article have been offered full and partial scholarships to universities because of this prestigious designation!
Earn community service hours
Have a goal of at least 25 hours by the start of 10th grade. 100 hours is the graduation requirement here at CCA Hollywood; by meeting this requirement, students also meet the minimum service hour requirements for the Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholarship and Florida Medallion Scholarship.
Summer Goals for Rising Juniors
Prep for the PSAT/SAT/ACT
CCA Hollywood’s upperclassmen have the opportunity to take an SAT/ACT prep course hosted by Sensa Educational Systems on CCA’s Fort Lauderdale campus this summer; a virtual option is available as well.
When: July 26-30, 2021 (baseline practice test administered on July 24)
Time: 1:00-4:30 PM
Cost: $300
When: July 26-30, 2021 (baseline practice test administered on July 24)
Time: 1:00-4:30 PM
Cost: $300
Make a list of colleges/universities you may consider attending and visiting
Using an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of the schools you’re interested in and compare their offerings is a great way to stay organized throughout this process.
Continue working on your community service hours!Joining a service-oriented school club is a fun and easy way to accumulate service hours with peers while making a difference in the community together!
Summer Goals for Rising Seniors
Prep for the SAT/ACT
(See section above for an on-campus SAT/ACT prep course being offered this summer!)
Narrow down your college choices and begin college applications/essaysClass of 2022 families at CCAH should plan to attend CCA’s fall college fair and FAFSA workshop. Stay tuned for event details!
Schedule campus visits if you have not done so alreadyIf possible, it is best to plan campus visits when classes are in session. Or, you can make it a fun family road trip during a holiday break! Should college visits need to be planned during the school year, upperclassmen have two excused absences that can be used toward college campus visits.
If traveling is not an option, taking a virtual tour of the campus online is the second best way to get acquainted with a campus.
If traveling is not an option, taking a virtual tour of the campus online is the second best way to get acquainted with a campus.
There you have it. As you can see, there’s never a shortage of things to do when you’re in high school.
As you tackle this checklist together as a family, we encourage you to approach it with a positive, teachable attitude, making the most of this season God has you in!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
–Jeremiah 29:11
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