01 Jun Road Map for June: Class of 2023

The school year is wrapping up and I hope you have great plans for summer. It’s time to relax and have fun, but you should also do something constructive—even better if these are the same activities.  It’s also time to revisit the goals you’ve been setting for yourself this year, and set new ones. Did you have goals for the school year or something more short-term, like a grading period? I like to set monthly goals for myself, which helps me keep track of my progress on a more regular basis.  As you think about what you want to accomplish this summer, create some accountability for yourself by writing it down or sharing it with a friend or family member.

With the busy junior year on the horizon, there are a few things I’m encouraging the Class of 2023 to do now to lighten the load. First, if you’ve completed geometry and two years of algebra, consider doing standardized test prep this summer.  This will allow you more time and mental space to focus without competing with the demands of school.  It may also allow you to test on the early side in this upcoming school year. Generally I like students to have a first SAT or ACT no later than April of 11th grade, which sets them up to complete testing before the beginning of senior year. However, if you’re ready you can get it out of the way sooner. The first step is to determine whether the SAT or ACT is a better test for you by taking two practice tests and comparing your scores. A perfect window for this is between the end of school and July 4th, which still allows plenty of time to develop your testing calendar and prep plan.

Another important thing to do in the junior year is research colleges, which ideally includes a number of visits.  Rather than pack half a dozen college tours into spring break, plan now to spread them out over the course of the year, including this summer. This allows you to spend more time on each campus and have more space to reflect on what you’ve seen.