by Jose Ireta

May ushers in some beautiful weather, and it is easy to shift into “summer mode” while still in school. Here are some practical suggestions on how to “Maximize the Month of May” to become a competitive college applicant.  

• Consider registering for the August 23, 2025, SAT exam or a June or July test date for the ACT.  With the completion of another school year under your belt, you may perform better. Apart from California public universities, some colleges have gone back to requiring standardized tests.  
• Of course, May is synonymous with Advanced Placement Exams, so be sure to prepare for them. Depending on the college, certain AP Scores could grant you college credit, which in the long run may save you money and time.  
• Consider gaining practical experience in a field that interests you through an internship, job shadowing opportunity, or even employment.  There are various ways to accomplish this; your CPSI counselor is always available to help you.  

This upcoming summer is an excellent opportunity to boost your academic profile. Here are some options:

• Consider taking a course over the summer at your local community college to fill any gaps you may have, boost your GPA, or move on to the next sequential level of a subject.  
• If your transcript shows a grade lower than a C-, consider remediating that course for a higher grade. Your CPSI counselor can assist with finding the correct course.  
• You may also want to consider a course through an accredited online provider, such as UC Scout, to help round out your academic profile or explore courses not offered at your high school.

May is the month to begin this process, as community college summer courses are limited. The process may take some time and plenty of paperwork.  

• Specifically for the Class of 2026:
  • Pre-Letters of Letters of Recommendation from Teachers prior to summer break.
  • If you are applying to colleges that require Letters of Recommendation, you’ll want to begin this process by asking instructors IN PERSON if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. Note: Many teachers may limit the number of letters they write, so do not delay. After securing a verbal agreement, follow up with an email of thanks and provide any materials they may have requested, such as a transcript, résumé, brag sheet, etc. Be sure to ask your CPSI counselor which colleges and universities require letters of recommendation if you’re unsure.  

These are just a few suggestions on how to Maximize May in your pursuit of higher education!