The earlier your child starts looking for summer opportunities the better. Jobs, internships, and volunteering can help your child explore careers and gain valuable skills.
Expert Advice
"Being committed to an activity outside of academics is something we look at. We don't give merit to one activity over another." C. Lunkenheimer, Northwestern U., Undergraduate Admissions
Is your child on track to meet a college's requirements? How does your child compare to students already attending their first-choice college? Try the Academic Tracker and find out.
There's no such thing as the perfect college. Luckily, with more than 3,800 colleges in the U.S. alone, your child's options are almost endless. Learn how you can help your child find the right mix of "safety," good "match," and "reach" colleges.