College can be demanding, so it’s essential to take advantage of the summer months to prepare yourself. From relaxing and recharging to getting organized and networking, these tips will help you make the most out of your summer break. By the end of it, you’ll have boosted your skills, made some valuable connections, and set yourself up for success.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into these 6 summer tips to prepare you for college!
1. Creating a summer bucket list
Summer is a great time to relax and enjoy yourself before the start of the new school year. To make the most of your time, consider creating a summer bucket list! This list can include all the things you want to do and experience before the summer ends.
To get started, think about your interests and passions. Do you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, or camping? Or do you prefer indoor activities like reading, watching movies, or playing video games? Whatever your preferences, try to create a list that includes a mix of activities.
Creating a summer bucket list can be a fun and motivating way to stay engaged and productive over the summer. It can also help you make the most of your time and ensure that you’re fully prepared for college when the new school year begins. So why not give it a try?
2. Start reading
Summer is a great time to start building a reading habit, and this is especially important when it comes to preparing for college. College coursework typically involves a lot of reading, and being a strong reader can give you an advantage when it comes to studying, taking notes, and writing papers.
To start, make a list of books that interest you. You can ask your teachers, parents, or friends for recommendations. You can also check out college reading lists or the books on the syllabus for your upcoming courses.
Once you have your list, create a reading schedule. Start with books that are more accessible and enjoyable, and work your way up to more challenging material. Aim to read for at least 30 minutes a day, and keep a notebook handy to jot down notes and ideas.
3. Get Organized
As you prepare to start college, it’s important to ensure that you’re setting yourself up for success from the very beginning. One way to do this is by getting organized. Being organized not only helps reduce stress and increase productivity, but it can also contribute to your overall well-being. So, before college starts, take some time to declutter your space and get organized.
Begin by going through your closet and getting rid of clothes that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Consider donating or selling them, or passing them along to someone who can make use of them. Next, take a look at your study materials and desk area. Are your notes and textbooks organized in a way that makes sense to you? Are your pens and pencils easily accessible? Organizing these items can help you stay focused and make studying more efficient.
Lastly, take a good look at your backpack. Is it overloaded with unnecessary items? Is it difficult to find what you need quickly? By streamlining your backpack, you can save time and energy when you’re on the go. Consider investing in a sturdy backpack that’s designed for college students and has enough compartments to keep your items organized.
4. Explore your college town
One of the most exciting things about starting college is the opportunity to explore a new town or city. Whether you’re staying close to home or venturing far away, taking the time to get to know your college town can be an incredibly enriching experience.
Start by doing some research on the best places to visit in your town. Check out local guides and tourism websites to find out about popular attractions, historical landmarks, and hidden gems. Consider joining a student group or club that focuses on exploring the area, such as a hiking club or foodie group. You could also reach out to upperclassmen or classmates for recommendations on their favorite spots
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As you start to explore, be open to new experiences and opportunities. Try out different types of cuisine, attend local events and festivals, and visit museums and art galleries. You might even consider volunteering or interning at a local organization to gain real-world experience and give back to your community.
5. Learn to Cook
Cooking is an important life skill that you should definitely take the time to learn before heading off to college. Being able to cook your own meals not only saves you money but also helps you make healthier choices. Plus, you might even impress your roommates or friends with your cooking skills. There are a lot of resources available to help you learn how to cook, like cooking classes, recipe books, or YouTube tutorials.
When you’re just starting out, keep things simple by trying out easy recipes that don’t require too many ingredients or advanced techniques. You could start with something like a stir-fry or a pasta dish, which are both delicious and easy to prepare. You can gradually work your way up to more complex recipes and techniques as you become more confident in your abilities. And remember, cooking can also be a fun and social activity. Why not host a dinner party or potluck with friends and make cooking a group event?
6. Spend time with your family and friends
Make the most of your summer by spending quality time with your family and friends. Your first semester away from home can be daunting, and homesickness can creep up on you unexpectedly. That’s why it’s important to soak up every moment you can with your loved ones during the summer break.
Once the academic year begins, it can be challenging to find time to connect with those back home. With summer courses and other commitments, your schedule will quickly fill up. So, while you have the freedom to do so, prioritize spending time with your family and friends. These memories will be invaluable during your time away from home and will provide you with a source of comfort when you need it most.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many things you can do during the summer to prepare for college and make the most of your college experience. From creating a summer bucket list to exploring your college town, getting organized, and connecting with your roommate, these tips can help you feel more confident and ready for the academic year ahead. Remember to take care of yourself, stay focused on your goals, and embrace new experiences and opportunities. With a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and grow, you can make the most of your college years and set yourself up for success in the future.
Private ACT/SAT Tutoring
ONE-TO-ONE ACT/SAT PREP TUTORING - SESSIONS CAN OCCUR IN-HOME, AT OUR OFFICES, ONLINE VIA LESSONSPACE, AT A LOCAL LIBRARY OR COFFEE SHOP.
CURRENT SAT FORMAT AND STRUCTURE
Reading – 65 minutes (52 questions)
Writing and Language – 35 minutes (44 questions)
10 minute break
Math – No calculator – 25 minutes (20 questions)
Math – Calculator allowed – 55 minutes (38 questions)
On the SAT, students will have an average of 1 minute and 10 seconds to answer each question. This includes the multiple-choice questions and the math grid-in questions. This varies drastically from the ACT, which gives students an average of 49 seconds per question. The format is similar to the ACT; however, there are two SAT math sections and no dedicated science section like the ACT. There is no penalty for answering incorrectly. Therefore, students should answer every multiple-choice question. Students can only gain points on the SAT, so it’s important not to leave any questions unanswered. The SAT contains four answer choices, instead of five, which was seen on the old SAT (pre-2016).
Interested in a customized test prep program? We will review previous SAT practice test scores or official SAT scores to determine the area of focus. We can also email out a SAT practice test to take at home and provide an analysis for a customized SAT prep program.
Contact us to learn more about our SAT prep program or choose a package from below.
CURRENT ACT FORMAT AND STRUCTURE
English – 45 minutes (75 questions)
Math – 60 minutes (60 questions)
10 minute break
Reading – 35 minutes (40 questions)
Science – 35 minutes (40 questions)
5 minute break
Essay – 40 minutes (each prompt is different and three perspectives are provided for analysis)
On the ACT, students have an average of 49 seconds per question. The ACT is known as a fast paced test; however, the questions are presented in a straightforward and content driven manner. The test focuses on academic achievement, meaning, what students actually learn in high school. There is no deduction for answering incorrectly, so it’s best to answer every multiple-choice question. The ACT composite score is comprised of the four main sections (known as tests): English, math, reading, and science. Most colleges and universities post the ACT middle 50% composite score for their last freshmen class. This helps the student to set an ACT score goal with his or her tutor. A low score on one section can pull down the ACT composite score. However, with ACT prep tutoring, we have seen students go up 8, 9, 10, and 11 points in a single section. All sections of the test have four answer choices, except for the math section which has five answer choices. There is little vocabulary on the ACT, and in lieu of this there are more reading passages.
Interested in a customized test prep program? We will review previous ACT practice test scores or official ACT scores to determine the area of focus. We can also email out an ACT practice test to take at home and provide an analysis for a customized ACT prep program.
Contact us to learn more about our ACT prep program or choose a package from below.
2022-2023 Mock ACT/SAT Test Dates
We will be proctoring tests virtually on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am. Upon registering for a virtual mock test, you will receive a test packet in the mail that includes the following:
ACT/SAT Answer Sheet
ACT/SAT Test Booklet
Test Instructions
Please sign up no later than Monday during the week of the mock test. Please make sure to include your mailing address during registration, so that we can mail you a testing packet.
ACT/SAT tests will be proctored virtually through LESSONSPACE. The day before each test, students will receive an emailed linked to join the virtually proctored test. The test instructions can be used should the student lose connection to the testing lobby. Please ensure that you have a working built-in mic (or a headset) and audio on your laptop/desktop.
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Mock ACT test dates: