What should my student do the summer before 9th grade?

The summer before 9th grade is the most important planning window in all of K-12. Students should select courses strategically (not just by default), identify 2-3 extracurricular commitments they'll pursue with depth, and understand how high school GPA works. A single counseling session at this stage is worth more than multiple sessions in 12th grade.

Is summer too early to start college prep?

No — in fact, most families start too late. The summer between grades is the ideal moment to reflect, plan, and set the foundation for the upcoming year without the pressure of active coursework and deadlines. Families who use summer strategically consistently outperform those who wait until school starts.

What grade should I enter if it's summer and my student just finished 8th grade?

Select 9th grade on our intake form. If it's summer before a new grade begins, always select the grade your student is going into — that is the session that covers the right planning horizon for where your student will be in the fall.

How is summer planning different for first-generation families?

First-generation families often face an information gap that compounds each year. The summer is when parents who didn't go to college can most productively work with a counselor — without the real-time pressure of applications and deadlines. Sarah works extensively with first-gen families and provides guidance in both English and Spanish.

Does it matter which specific month of summer we book a session?

The earlier the better, but the most important factor is booking before school starts. Many families book in July and August, which is still very effective. What hurts is waiting until September or October, when the current year's deadlines begin competing for your attention.

Summer Planning Guide

Between Grades? This Summer Can Change Everything.

Most families waste summer. The ones who don't arrive in September months ahead of where they'd otherwise be. Here's what to do between every grade.

Book a Summer Session

Filling out our intake form? If it's summer and your student just finished a grade, select the grade they're going into — not the one they just completed. That's the session that covers where they'll actually be in the fall. Go to intake form →

Why Summer Is the Highest-Leverage Window in College Planning

During the school year, families are reactive — responding to deadlines, grades, and applications. Summer is the only time you're proactive. The students with the strongest college outcomes planned during their summers.

No Competing Deadlines

Summer is the only time the calendar isn't working against you. Strategic decisions made now have zero school-year pressure.

Clarity Before the Rush

September brings course loads, extracurriculars, and social pressure. Summer is when families can think clearly — and build a plan before the noise starts.

First-Gen Families Need This Most

Without a family member who went through the college process, first-gen families are missing institutional knowledge that other families accumulate over years. Summer sessions fill that gap.

Summer Checklist by Grade Transition

Select your student's upcoming grade to see what to do this summer.

Summer Action Plan

What to do Before 12th Grade

Finalize Your College List (15-20 Schools)

Critical

This is the summer to lock in your final college list across reach, target, and likely tiers. Get your list audited before you spend the fall writing essays for the wrong schools.

Draft Your Common App Essay

Critical

Applications open August 1. The families who submit in October have been drafting all summer. Don't start writing in September — start now.

Complete the FAFSA as Soon as It Opens (October 1)

Critical

Federal and institutional aid is awarded on a rolling basis. Families who file early get more aid. FAFSA requires your 2024 tax information — gather it now.

Ask Your Recommendation Letter Teachers NOW

Critical

Teachers get flooded with recommendation requests in September and October. Asking before school starts gives them the entire summer to write a thoughtful letter — which shows.

Research Early Decision / Early Action Deadlines

High Priority

Many top schools have ED/EA deadlines in November 1 or November 15. If you're applying early, your application needs to be essentially done before school starts.

Book a 12th Grade Strategic Session

Critical

This is the most high-stakes year. A session with Sarah before school starts — reviewing your list, essays, and financial aid strategy — is the clearest path to a strong outcome.

Don't Navigate This Alone

Sarah reviews every intake personally. Submit your info and she'll confirm the right session for your student's exact situation.

Book Your Session

Sarah Jimenez – Bilingual College Counselor helping families with summer college prep

About Sarah's Approach

One Focused Session. Months of Clarity.

Sarah Jimenez has guided 500+ families across all 50 states and Puerto Rico through the college admissions process. She works extensively with Hispanic and Latino families, first-generation students, and Spanish-speaking parents navigating a system that wasn't built with them in mind.

Her no-contract model isn't a discount — it's a confidence statement. You don't need a year-long retainer. You need the right expert reviewing your student's full picture and delivering a clear plan forward.

Bilingual (EN/ES)

Florida-based

500+ Families

15+ Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Won't Wait. Neither Should You.

The families who book a session before September consistently outperform those who wait. Submit your intake and Sarah will confirm the right session for your student.

Submit Intake Now College List Audit — $197