Summer break isn't just about sleeping in and binge-watching Netflix (though there's definitely time for that too!). It's actually the perfect opportunity to get real-world experience in fields you're considering for your future. And I'm not talking about generic "volunteer at the hospital" advice - I mean strategic, intentional career exploration that actually helps you make decisions.

Here's the thing most students don't realize: three days of job shadowing can teach you more about a career than three months of research online. There's just no substitute for seeing what professionals actually do day-to-day, what skills they use, and whether the reality matches your expectations.

But let's be strategic about this. Before you start reaching out to random professionals, take a step back and figure out what you're actually curious about. If you haven't already, grab our Career Prep Challenge - it walks you through personality testing, explores different fields, and gives you the framew...

Let me guess - you want to stay sharp academically over summer, but you also want to actually enjoy your break, right? I totally get it! After working with hundreds of students, I've learned that the secret isn't studying more during summer - it's studying smarter.

First, let's talk about what "maintaining academic momentum" actually means. It's not about doing three hours of math problems every day (please don't do that to yourself!). It's about keeping your brain engaged, preventing the dreaded "summer slide," and maybe even getting ahead in areas where you're passionate.

The biggest mistake I see families make is trying to recreate the school year during summer. That's a recipe for burnout and resentment. Instead, think of summer as a chance to explore learning in a more relaxed, self-directed way.

Here's my approach: the 80/20 summer rule. Spend 80% of your time having fun, relaxing, and doing summer things. Use the remaining 20% for intentional learning. For most students, that...

I'm going to give you some advice that might surprise you: if you're a rising senior reading this in June, you're actually right on time to start thinking about college essays. Not late, not behind - right on time.

Also important to note, you might not need an essay! If you are looking at more open admissions schools (community colleges, many state universities, and some private universities), an essay may not even be needed for the application process. It also might be required for some scholarships you are considering, but not for general admissions. If not required, you can just move on, but if you think there is a good chance you will need to do some writing then keep reading...

Here's why summer is the sweet spot for essay writing. You're not juggling five classes, extracurriculars, and test prep all at once. Your brain has space to think creatively and reflect on your experiences. Plus, you'll have drafts ready when applications open in August, giving you time to revise instead...