College Prep Beyond the Classroom: How Parents Can Support Their Teen Over Summer Break

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By following these tips, parents can help their teens effectively prepare for college while making the most of their summer break.

By Justina Thompson — June 3, 2025

Tags: academic-success, campus-life, college-essays, financial-aid, parent-guardian, scholarships

College Prep Beyond the Classroom: How Parents Can Support Their Teen Over Summer Break

As summer begins, many high school students are looking for ways to make their break meaningful. For teens heading into their sophomore or junior years, summer is more than just time off-it's a window of opportunity to build skills, explore interests, and prepare for college. While it's important for students to rest and recharge, summer can also be a launching pad for experiences that make college applications more compelling and personal.

Here's how parents can help their teens use the summer months wisely:

Encourage Summer Jobs, Internships, or Volunteer Work:

Summer is ideal for gaining real-world experience. Encourage your teen to look for part-time jobs, volunteer roles, or internships that align with their interests. These don't have to be traditional roles-shadowing a local professional or starting a personal project can be equally valuable. Colleges appreciate applicants who show initiative, creativity, and dedication.

Help Research Colleges and Plan Visits:

Summer is a great time to start building a college list. For sophomores, explore regions or campus types (urban vs. rural, large vs. small). For juniors, begin narrowing down schools of interest. Schedule campus visits-many schools offer summer info sessions and tours. If travel isn't possible, take advantage of virtual tours and online Q&A sessions.

Support Standardized Test Preparation:

Although many colleges are now test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still boost a student's application or qualify them for scholarships. Summer is an ideal time to prep without the pressure of schoolwork. Consider test prep books, free online tools, or local programs-many libraries and community centers offer resources at no cost.

Build Their Extracurricular Resume:

Colleges want students who are curious, engaged, and active in their communities. Encourage your teen to deepen their involvement in a passion or try something new-whether that's music, sports, coding, or volunteering. If no opportunities exist, help them brainstorm ways to create one. Starting a club, launching a blog, or organizing a community event all show initiative.

Teach Life Skills and Foster Independence:

CSummer offers a perfect time to prepare your teen for the independence of college. Teach them budgeting basics, how to cook simple meals, or manage their own schedule. These foundational skills will ease their transition to campus life and build their confidence.

Set Clear Goals and Make a Plan:

At the start of summer, sit down and map out goals together-both big and small. Whether it's raising a GPA, researching 10 colleges, or completing a college essay draft, breaking goals into manageable tasks will help keep your teen motivated. Use a shared calendar or checklist to stay on track.

Encourage Balance and Self-Care:

College prep is important-but so is rest. Remind your teen that it's okay to have fun, see friends, and unwind. A balanced summer builds resilience and helps prevent burnout. Model self-care by prioritizing your own wellness, too.

Stay Informed and Involved:

Stay current on application timelines, test dates, and financial aid updates. Attend webinars or workshops on college planning, and maintain communication with your teen's guidance counselor. Your involvement shows you're a teammate in the journey, not just a spectator.

Summer is more than a break-it's a chance to grow, explore, and prepare for the future. With your guidance, your teen can use this time to build confidence, clarify goals, and take meaningful steps toward college. Even small actions this summer can make a big impact when application season rolls around.

Justina Thompson

Justina "Farmer J" Thompson is the Farm Education and Volunteer Manager at Urban Creators, Philadelphia, PA. Justina intentionally attended school in Philadelphia so she could “connect her passion and experience to the ongoing environmental justice work in the area.” As a speaker, educational curriculum designer, program leader, and community organizer, Justina possesses extensive knowledge on urban farming inspired to work in the field of environmental justice from a young age.

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