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What should I do during the summer before my freshman year or during my freshman year of high school to have a strong foundation for college apps?

Hello! Thank you so much to anyone who answers my question(s)! Interested and open to anything. Also, one of the reasons I'm asking because my parent is because my parents are thinking of wanting me to graduate early.

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Thank you comment icon You should enjoy your summer! Go on a trip if you can. Explore the world. That will teach you more than the job itself. Snehapriya Bharatha, MS, MBA
Thank you comment icon Start trying to figure out what you are interested in studying in college, and build extracurricular activities and take courses in that area. Try to take rigorous courses in high school. Susan Cantrell
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Thomas’s Answer

You're a kid. You should do kid things. Hang out with your friends, go to the pool or beach. Pick up a new skill or bring back an old hobby. You have plenty of time to think about work. Now is not that time. I'll tell you what I did the summer before my freshman year of high school- nothing school related and absolutely nothing that connected to what I ended up doing as a career. High school is the place that you'll truly find or refine what you want to do. When I was your age, I thought I was going to be a chemist or electrician. I'm the complete opposite basically- a musician, audio engineer, and producer. All that to say- you have NO idea what's going to grab your attention in high school. So let this summer be a time to rest and recharge.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Aileen
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Jamie’s Answer

As others have said, enjoy the summer before the "real" world hits! If you need to work, get a job that interests you or potentially in the field you are wanting to go into or thinking about. However, you can learn SO much from any job you have. Communication skills, time management, working with others, etc. But most of all, say "yes" to as many things as you can. Soak up every second with your family, your friends, your community before high school starts. Volunteering is always really fun, especially when you do it with your friends, and it looks great on college applications. Anything that shows you are a well-rounded person will help you stand out. But don't stress it, enjoy it!
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Ryan’s Answer

Hi Aileen.

While it's good to look ahead, make sure to spend time enjoying the summers you have in high school as well. Being a freshman, you have plenty of time to be able to build up your resume/portfolio while also enjoying yourself. Things to keep in mind are that grades are important for college apps, but extracurriculars are just as important. Look for opportunities to volunteer in your community, especially if you can work your way into a leadership type role. Find ways to make an impact in your community, but also look for opportunities to gain experience in the fields you are interested in such as a shadowing program. Your school may have programs in place for their students, or some of the faculty may know of opportunities available and you just need to reach out and discuss with them and express your interest.
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Sarah’s Answer

I’m providing this answer not only as a professional, but as a former writing consultant who helped with college entrance essays.
Whatever you do, follow a genuine passion. Whether that means accepting an impressive, competitive internship, mastering a skill you’ve never tried before, being a camp counselor, traveling to a new place, or staying right in your own hometown but contributing something more to your community, the only time that matters is the time you spend caring.

I’m gonna say that part again: the only time that matters is the time you spend caring.

You can do impressive things, and write a boring college application. You can go exotic places, and miss everything worth experiencing. You can go through a lot and learn nothing from it if you don’t care enough to pay attention.

Find anything you really care about. Choose an activity to do with it, and pay attention to what it teaches you about yourself and the world.
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C’s Answer

Hi Aileen,

It's great that you are thinking ahead about college this early. However, transitioning to high school is in itself a big shift, as coursework and other activities will get more intense compared to lower grades. I would suggest the following:
1. Carve out time to do things you enjoy - travel (if that is financially viable), visit friends and family that you have not seen recently.
2. Try a new hobby or learn something new (it could be artwork, a new language) or something related to your future interests (e.g. coding classes are popular these days)
3. Volunteer in the community. There is always opportunity for these and you will be spending your time helping others.
4. Visit colleges near to see what you like or don't like about them. Though it is early to do this, it's good to have some idea what that might look like.
5. Summer jobs/internships: If this is something you like to do, it is a good way to make some money while learning to be organized, working with others etc., which are skills that will be needed in any career.

But, even with all that I said above, one thing to remember is - DO NOT do something just because you think that will make you look good to colleges OR because someone else is doing it. Colleges know that each person is unique, they are typically more interested in what you do in High school. Colleges are also good at figuring out when some activity is just a checklist versus where there is genuine passion/interest.

This summer, focus on yourself, and explore what interests you.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Aileen
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Eria’s Answer

Learning by doing and exploring is sometimes be overlooked. You can gain a lot just by living your life as your authentic self. Say hi to your neighbors, take time to chat with people, and be open to learning from their experiences. Find time to discover what interests you and look for volunteer opportunities in that area. When you care about a cause, the experience becomes more rewarding and fun.
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Steven’s Answer

Doing local charity work during your summer before your freshman year would be a great opportunity to benefit the community and add something meaningful to your college applications.
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Deep’s Answer

Hey Alieen, this stage is all about the most important journeys you'll ever take ie. figuring out "you". College isn't just about grades. It's about discovering what lights you up, what drains you, and what you're genuinely great at. Lean into your strengths, they're your superpowers and will matter through the process. And your grey areas or gaps? Everyone has them. The secret is approaching them with grace, not shame. You're not behind. You're becoming. That should be the mindset. Also, don't wait until senior year to think about your future. Dream it now. Write it down. Then quietly, consistently, become the person that vision requires.

Good luck!
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Madison’s Answer

The summer before freshman year and your freshman year are great times to build strong habits and explore your interests.

Focus on doing well in your classes, staying organized, and developing good study skills. Outside of school, try activities that genuinely interest you, whether that's sports, clubs, volunteering, music, coding, or something else.

Most importantly, don't worry too much about college applications yet. Have fun, make memories, meet new people, and enjoy high school. The strongest college applications often reflect students who spent time pursuing their real interests and growing as people, not just checking boxes.
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Trinh’s Answer

Like everyone else said, definitely enjoy your summer and make memories. This is such a special time in your life, so make the most of it, have fun, and spend time with the people you care about. If you have some extra time, it could also be really valuable to take on a part-time job — not just to earn a little money, but to build work ethic, strengthen your communication skills, and gain experience interacting with different kinds of people. Those experiences may seem small now, but they can teach you a lot about responsibility, confidence, and how to carry yourself in the real world. It’s all about finding a good balance between enjoying your time and doing a few things that will help you grow.
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Holly’s Answer

Hey there! When thinking about college, try not to worry too much about what looks good on applications. Instead, use this time to explore different interests and find out what you really enjoy. Colleges love to see you stick with a few activities and grow in them, rather than just having a long list of random things. There's plenty of time, so focus on learning and building a strong base in what you love. You've got this!
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Benjamin’s Answer

My best advice is to enjoy your youth while you still have it :)

You have plenty of time to continue building your skillset and knowledge over time, but use this time to learn about YOURSELF! What do you like to do? What are you interested in? What do you want to study in college? What type of job would you like to have?

Learning the answers to these questions early on will help you a lot down the line, and will save you a lot of thinking time in the future. Use this time to explore, to build healthy habits, and to spend time with your friends!
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Vianne’s Answer

Enjoy your break and have fun! Try to mix in some things you like that are a bit academic, so it doesn't feel like work. If you love stories, grab a book that really interests you. If you like debating, watch some debates or join a casual online group. Even writing can be fun if you just jot down your thoughts or opinions on things you care about.

For your freshman year, try not to overdo it by taking on too much just to look good. Choose a few activities that seem fun or interesting to you. If you like speaking, maybe try debate or speech. If helping people makes you happy, find a relaxed place to volunteer. The aim is to build good habits while enjoying yourself, because colleges can tell when you genuinely enjoy what you're doing instead of just trying to collect activities.
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Rose’s Answer

Hi Aileen! It's fantastic that you're thinking about this. Planning ahead is a great step toward success. The summer before high school is a perfect time to focus on personal growth. You can strengthen your academic skills by working on math, improving your writing through journaling or essays, and exploring science and technology. Colleges appreciate consistent involvement in activities like sports, music, art, debate, robotics, or community service. It's more about your dedication and passion than how many activities you do. You can also work on time management and organization by using a planner and setting goals for the school year. Explore career interests by attending camps or workshops, or talk to family and professionals about their jobs. Remember to balance preparation with enjoying your summer. Have fun, and you'll do great in whatever you choose to pursue!
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Becca’s Answer

Enjoy the summer! Work at a summer camp or with a nonprofit or small business that you love. Spend time with friends and family, travel if you can, and explore. You have plenty of time to focus on internships, certifications, trainings and jobs. Use this summer to enjoy the things that make you happy. :-)
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Becca, for the advice! Aileen
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Zell’s Answer

Hello!

Take some time to enjoy your summer vacation. As you prepare to step into the real world, it's a perfect opportunity to boost your life skills. You'll encounter many things that aren't taught in school, so now is a great time to learn them before you become fully independent. Think about opening a bank account, budgeting for expenses like rent and food, learning to cook, and understanding how to file taxes. You might also consider starting to build your credit with a credit card, but remember to use it wisely. These skills are important no matter what career path you choose and can even help you in your job, especially if you’re interested in business. I learned many of these skills the hard way, which made the start of my career a bit challenging.

You can also gain experience through volunteering, internships, or part-time work, which can help you learn new skills and build up your pizza fund for those difficult study sessions. Just be careful not to overcommit and make sure to enjoy what might be your last full summer vacation. Once you're in college, taking the entire summer off might not be the best idea, as you'll want to look for internships and begin building your resume as soon as you can.

Zell recommends the following next steps:

Enjoy your summer!
Build up some life skills (budgeting, get a bank account, cooking, learn how to file taxes, etc.)
Consider taking on a part time job or doing volunteer work that aligns with your interests
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Snehapriya’s Answer

Enjoy your summer! If you are able to, explore and travel by yourself! That will teach you something more important than a job will.
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Pooja’s Answer

It's great that you're already planning ahead! Having a future-focused mindset is a real strength. Just remember not to let things you can't control affect how you handle what you can control. You might think this doesn't relate to your freshman year, but this approach has helped many, including myself, through tough times. We all want to predict and control the future, but your mindset is something you can always manage. Enjoy the present moment and good luck!
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William’s Answer

The fact that you’re already thinking about this shows you’re ahead of the curve. If I were you, I’d start by looking around at the people in your everyday life and paying attention to the problems they deal with. Most importantly, make sure it’s a problem you genuinely care about solving. Find one problem, then build a solution and keep iterating on it. As you do that, you’ll gain momentum and start having even more ideas about what to build next, as well as what areas you may want to pursue later in college. I can assure you that college applications won’t be an issue when you reach the point where your ideas and projects are what you’re fully immersed in. This is an exciting journey - good luck, Aileen!
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Ladahvia’s Answer

Hello, I’d focus on enjoying this time rather than stressing over college applications right now. Give yourself space to relax and do something fun as you prepare for what’s next. Learning to unwind is an important life skill, and it will help you make thoughtful decisions in college and throughout your career.
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Vartika’s Answer

Apply to internships in your field of interest. That will give you experience and will also help you see if you like the filed
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Ethan’s Answer

No need to stress about college applications before starting 9th grade. Use your summer to relax and have fun. Try out activities you really like and spend time on things you love. When high school starts, aim to do your best in your classes and join clubs that match your interests. Volunteering in your community can also be a great way to gain experience and help others.
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Christina’s Answer

Enjoy the summer! To stand out and boost your resume, consider doing some volunteer work.
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Emily’s Answer

Have fun this summer and do things that interest you. Before your freshman year of high school think about what clubs or organizations that might interest you and consider joining them once school starts. I think it is always best to pick a couple things that you are very interested in and then throughout high school get more involved in it. Colleges are always going to love seeing involvement and leadership positions, but again make sure it is something that you enjoy and are actually passionate about so it does not feel like a job.
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Dhanya’s Answer

Have fun, explore your interests, and build strong habits. If possible, look for internships, volunteering, shadowing, or summer programs that help you develop real skills. You can also take online classes if they genuinely prepare you for harder coursework later—but the goal should be learning and consistency, not rushing just to look impressive.
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Huilin’s Answer

Hi! It might feel stressful going into college and wanting to be well prepared is definitely a good thing! You are ambitious, hardworking, and are trying to plan for your future! However, I would say, rather than getting internship, try to enjoy this summer! After going into college, it will be a non-stop journey for job hunting, internships, attending lectures, exams, and etc. So try to enjoy as much as you can during the summer break! If you feel empty and want to be prepared a bit more, maybe read some news, network a bit more, but do not put too much pressure on yourself! Good luck!
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Eesha’s Answer

Most important - enjoy your summer! You can also learn about absolutely anything that you find interesting as it'll help you figure out what kind of career path you would like. Don't stress about college too much right now as you have time for that later on in high school and it's better to not burn out early (it's a marathon not a race)
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Rachana’s Answer

Hello Aileen,

Use the summer and freshman year to build strong study habits and core skills: focus on math, reading/writing, and one interest area (like coding, art, or science) through online courses, books, or small projects.
Also join at least one club or activity you genuinely like and stick with it, so you start building a track record of involvement and potential leadership that will look strong by the time you apply to college
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Hovendra’s Answer

The best thing you can do before and during your freshman year is to build strong habits rather than worrying about creating the perfect college application. Focus on earning strong grades, developing good study habits, and taking the time to discover your interests. It is also important to enjoy the journey by spending time with friends and family, because as you get older, you may have less time to do so.

Get involved in one or two activities that genuinely interest you so you can explore whether they are truly things you enjoy. Colleges often prefer to see meaningful volunteering and leadership experience rather than a large number of unrelated activities. During the summer, you can read books, watch YouTube videos, and use AI to learn about different careers and opportunities. Most importantly, make time to have fun along the way and enjoy your high school experience.
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Deepti’s Answer

A strong foundation for college apps starts with consistency. During the summer before freshman year and throughout freshman year, focus on doing well academically, building good study habits, exploring genuine interests, and getting involved in activities you actually enjoy. Reading more, strengthening your writing and math skills, volunteering, and trying clubs, sports, or small projects can all help. The goal early on is not to “build an application,” but to build strong habits, character, and real interests that will grow over time.
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Sarah’s Answer

I see a lot of responses here encouraging you to have fun and enjoy your summer! I wholeheartedly agree with this advice. As someone whose parents (and myself) put a LOT of pressure and expectations on me to get into a great college and have a successful career, I know how stressful and anxiety inducing it is to feel like you always have to be doing your best and preparing for the next thing. I spent my high school years studying hard and not really having a lot of fun. I graduated from an excellent college and still had no idea what I wanted to do with my career. The greatest advice I would give my high school self is to enjoy life and not take studying too seriously. I've learned that making connections with people, gaining diverse experiences, and exploring new things is way more important. It gives you different perspectives and a more open mind, which allows you to be thoughtful about what you really want to do with your life and how to make it happen.
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Lali’s Answer

Explore options , fun projects and internships that make you happy. Sign up as a volunteer for a community project that gives you a strong sense of purpose. Spend time with friends, family, travel and soak in the difference in culture, food and language.
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Sowjanya’s Answer

Enjoy your Summer! I’m glad you’re thinking ahead about college so early. Before freshman year, or during your freshman year, you can start building a strong foundation by exploring clubs, getting involved in volunteer work, and beginning to track your service hours. It’s also a great time to start small projects in areas that genuinely interest you and, if possible, participate in competitions related to those interests. The key is not to do everything at once, but to begin exploring and gradually build your interests over the coming academic years. That will help you develop both depth and consistency, which matter for college applications.
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Jordan’s Answer

If I were to start high school again, I’d definitely get a part-time job somewhere fun. It’s important to enjoy yourself, and any job experience can really help with your future career. Now is also a great time to explore different career paths that interest you, like business, healthcare, hospitality, or technology. Once you find some options you like, you can choose electives or classes in high school that will be useful for college. Remember, there's no rush to make a decision right now. Just start exploring and imagine yourself in different fields.
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Yamuna’s Answer

If I were giving personal advice, I’d say try not to put too much pressure on yourself this early. You have plenty of time, and the best thing you can do before and during freshman year is focus on building strong habits, doing your best in school, and getting involved in a few activities you genuinely enjoy. What really matters most is showing steady growth, curiosity, and consistency over time—not trying to do everything at once. If you stay open to learning and keep taking small steps forward, you’ll build a really strong foundation for the future.
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Narmada’s Answer

Start with grades and course‑rigor, build a small number of meaningful activities, and begin documenting everything. If your parents are considering early graduation, check requirements with your school counselor now so you can plan coursework and credits.

Summer before freshman year - high impact actions
Strengthen academics: Brush up on math and reading skills you'll use in freshman classes (algebra, geometry, essay writing). Use short online courses or Khan Academy.
Explore interests: Try 1–2 activities that spark curiosity (coding, art, debate, community service). Don’t overload , depth/quality matters more than quantity.
Read smart: Read 6–10 books or long articles related to fields you’re interested in (science, history, architecture, social issues). Keep short notes on takeaways.
Start a personal project: Build something small (a research log, a blog, a portfolio, a community awareness poster) you can expand during high school.
Volunteer locally: Regular volunteer hours look stronger than one-off events. Find something you enjoy and can commit to.
Learn a skill: Pick one marketable skill (basic coding, graphic design, foreign language basics) and complete a beginner course.
Get organized: Create a digital folder (or spreadsheet) to log activities, hours, roles, awards, and samples of work you can use later.
Freshman year - priorities and habits
Focus on grades: A strong GPA freshman year sets your academic trajectory. Aim for consistency before worrying about test scores.
Take the right courses: If available, take honors or accelerated classes where you can succeed. Meet with your counselor to map a 4‑year plan.
Join and commit: Pick 1–3 extracurriculars and stay with them. Try to move from participant to a small leadership role by sophomore/junior year.
Build relationships: Get to know 2–3 teachers , they’ll be future recommenders. Participate in class and attend office hours.
Document everything: Keep a running resume and a folder of work (essays, projects, awards). This makes future applications and essays easier.
Try assessments: Take the PSAT 8/9 if offered; it’s low-stakes but helpful. Consider low-pressure local competitions or fairs to gain experience.
Seek feedback: Ask teachers for ways to improve writing and study skills. Use guidance counselors to refine course choices.
Balance and health: Keep time for friends, hobbies, and sleep. Colleges look for sustained achievement, not burnout.
If your parents want early graduation , what to check now
Credit requirements: Confirm how many credits and which specific courses the district needs for graduation.
Course availability: See if you can complete required courses via summer school, online courses, or dual enrollment at a community college.
Counselor meeting: Schedule a meeting with your counselor this summer to map a plan and timeline.
College timing: Understand that graduating early can change your college application timeline and scholarship eligibility — discuss pros/cons with your counselor.
Social and maturity check: Early graduation can affect social life and readiness for college-level work; consider whether you’re academically and emotionally ready.
Practical tools to use now
Tracking sheet: Simple spreadsheet with activity, role, hours, outcomes, contact person.
One‑page goals: Academic and activity goals for the year.
Portfolio folder: Save links, PDFs, photos of projects and papers.
Monthly review: 30 minutes each month to update progress and adjust plans.

Narmada recommends the following next steps:

Meet your school counselor about course plans and early graduation possibilities.
Pick one academic skill and one extracurricular project to develop.
Start a simple activity log and a one‑page long‑term plan.
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Kimberly’s Answer

Yes — a better focus is to choose one meaningful thing and build depth in it early, rather than trying to do everything. Over the summer before freshman year or during freshman year, pick one area you genuinely care about, such as a club, sport, volunteer role, creative project, or academic interest, and commit to improving in it consistently. For example, you could volunteer regularly at one organization, start a small project related to a hobby, or join one club and aim for a leadership role over time. The goal is to show growth, responsibility, and real commitment, because that matters more for college apps than having a long list of scattered activities.
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Amal’s Answer

As others have already said, it’s great that you’re already thinking about college. That said, I would absolutely take time to enjoy your summer. You still have plenty of time to prepare for college applications during your junior and senior years of high school, which is where your grades will really count. Of course, it’s important to keep your grades up and make sure your GPA aligns with what your dream schools are looking for, but it’s also important to spend time with your friends and family and enjoy being young. Colleges also value volunteer work, passion projects, and commitment to your hobbies. So if there’s a sport or activity you love, stick with it. The things that make you stand out are not always tied only to grades or academic performance.

I hope this helps! Enjoy summer :)
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