by Jose Ireta

Thinking about the 4th of July, I find myself pondering how our country is almost 250 years old! Time seems to fly by more quickly as we get older. Summer is moving along quickly, yet you still have time to make impactful choices this month to positively affect your future!

All high school students should be participating in significant extracurricular opportunities. This may be a course through Coursera, volunteering, or even conducting research. If you’re at a loss, visit www.VolunteerMatch.org to find opportunities in your community. Be sure to select “teens” before you begin searching. Whether you enroll in a university program or work as a camp counselor, your experience can make your college application stand out from your peers and provide you with material for your college essay and/or activity list. July is also an opportune time to take free SAT and ACT practice tests.

For the Class of 2026, be sure you’re working on your college applications following your CPSI Counselor’s guidance. Additionally, summer is a great time to research majors and visit campuses. If you cannot physically visit a campus, take a virtual tour.

For the Class of 2027, begin prepping for the PSAT. It is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program (PSAT/NMSQT). Your PSAT score may qualify you for a scholarship. Even if you don’t win, you may be a Commended Student, something you can list on your college applications.

Remember, make this summer count!