As we speed toward the end of the school year, I hope everyone’s AP exams are going well and that you’re feeling ready to tackle finals. This is an important stretch, so stay focused on finishing strong. Take advantage of any review sessions your teachers offer, consider forming study groups, and create a realistic plan for managing your time over the next few weeks.

It’s also a great time to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished this year. Start building (or updating) your résumé so you have a clear record of your activities, achievements, and interests. Be inclusive—service, hobbies, and personal projects all count and help tell your story. Taking stock now can also spark ideas for how to spend the summer, either expanding your commitment to something you value or exploring something new, whether that’s an academic experience, work, service or some other pursuit.

Looking ahead, rising juniors should be thinking about standardized testing. While most colleges remain test-optional, I like to say that some are more optional than others, and some are fully requiring test scores. Most of the Ivy League now requires the SAT or ACT, along with a number of public university systems, especially in southern states. That means students applying to these schools need to invest more time (and potentially money) in test prep than they did a few years ago. It also means students applying to colleges that “overlap” with these schools (draw from the same pool of applicants) will be well-served by taking test prep seriously—because that’s what your competition will be doing. (Read more on this topic here.)

My guidance for the Class of 2028 remains the same as in previous years: take practice tests soon (July 4 is a good deadline) to decide which exam to focus on, and map out your testing plan now for junior year, with possible prep this summer and a path to finishing testing before senior year starts.

One of my top goals for individual advising is to reduce the stress of the admissions process, and standardized test planning is a great example of something Class of ’28 students can do now to make the pivotal junior year go more smoothly. If you’re interested in learning more, please get in touch with me!