August: Your College Prep Reset Button

August can be the strategic launchpad for your academic year. Let’s make it count.

This month isn’t just prepping you for school, it’s setting the tone for how you show up in essays, applications, and your first semester. An intentional August builds momentum, and confidence, for the year ahead.

Here's what you can do before classes start:

1. Cement Your College List with Purpose

  • Use August to refine your balanced list of reach, match, and safety schools. Reflect on which institutions truly align with your interests, goals, and


2. Deepen Your Demonstrated Interest
Admissions officers value authenticity. Use these last quiet weeks to:

  • Attend virtual tours or info sessions.

  • Reach out thoughtfully to admissions reps or alumni.

  • Share updates or ask insightful questions and stay on their radar with genuine engagement.


3. Turn Your Summer Into a Narrative Asset

Instead of just ticking boxes, reflect on what your summer experiences say about you:

  • Did you lead a project, explore a new interest, or serve your community?

  • How do these experiences support your emerging academic or personal story?


4. Rebuild Your Monthly Structure

Ease back into school mode by:

  • Resetting your sleep and study routines.

  • Blocking out time for academics and extracurricular commitments.

  • Scheduling meaningful personal time, whether that’s writing, volunteering, or creative expression, to stay balanced and grounded.


5. Create a Fall Roadmap

Map out the year ahead by:

  • Tracking important fall milestones like fAFSA, early application deadlines, scholarship dates.

  • Identify academic or leadership opportunities you want to pursue.

  • Considering essay topics or brainstorms for activities and goals.


Need more guidance? Schedule a call today!

Best,
Melina Kazanas

P.S. - Have a high-performing high schooler w/ a 3.7 GPA or higher? We'll help get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges...and if we don't get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges, you don't pay us a penny.  Seriously.  College admissions isn't rocket science...but it is a science.  And we've cracked the code...year, after year, after year.  You can learn more about our world renowned all-inclusive, start-to-finish college coaching here and to see if your family qualifies for an introductory call.

P.P.S - Our most common question is "When should we start?!"  The answer is, if you truly care about giving your high schooler the best chance of college planning success, you should start NOW. 9th grade is not too early to start! 10th grade is certainly not too early to start! And 11th grade is far, far too late! (supporting data here to show just how much of an advantage you give your child by starting the process early).

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