01 Aug Road Map for August: Class of 2026

It may be hard to believe but you’re already halfway through your high school experience! I hope you’re having a wonderful summer and are making progress on your summer goals. (If you didn’t set any, it’s not too late!)  Another good summer project is to create a résumé, a process that includes reflecting on your achievements in academics, work, volunteering and extracurricular activities. Be thoughtful about why these experiences are important to you and how you can communicate that in the descriptions of your involvement. Here are some templates you can use to get started.

Another priority for rising juniors is to develop your plan for standardized testing in the coming year.  Choosing your test now can give you a head start on planning and prep, especially with a few weeks remaining before school starts. The ACT recently announced that it will introduce a digital option in the spring, which will be a shorter exam with an optional Science section. (Currently the Science section is required.) Although full details have not been announced yet, my recommendation for Class of 2026 students is to take a practice SAT and practice ACT as soon as possible, compare results, choose a test and develop a testing timeline that will work best for you. (My goal for all students is to complete testing before senior year starts.). The upcoming ACT changes present new considerations, and I’m available for individual advising on this topic, as well as recommendations for summer and fall campus visits and other planning needs.