We’re at the midpoint of the year and I hope your classes are going well. You may be starting to choose classes for next year also. Colleges like to see rigor, and my rule of thumb is to take the most challenging classes you can do well in, without being overwhelmed. That means considering both the individual classes you might take and your course load overall.

Another thing students can work on now is summer plans. Colleges don’t have specific preferences for what you do during the summer, but they want to know you’re doing something constructive. That can be work, sports, volunteering, travel, academics, or whatever you think will be fun and meaningful.  Of course, you don’t have to do just one thing for your whole break, and it’s important to have some down time too.  Start thinking now about how you can have an amazing summer!