If you are a rising senior, the summer before senior year can either set you up for success or leave you scrambling when school starts. This is the window when you have the most time and the least pressure. Once senior year begins, you will be balancing classes, activities, deadlines, and major decisions about what comes after high school.

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The good news is you do not need to have everything figured out this summer. But you do need a plan.

Whether you are planning to go to college, attend trade school, or start working after graduation, there are a few key things you should focus on now:

• building a clear direction for your future
• starting applications or researching programs
• creating or improving your resume
• gaining real experience through work, volunteering, or skill-building

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Students who use their summer intentionally feel more confident and less stressed in the fall. Students who wait often feel rushed and overwhelmed. This guide breaks down exactly what to do, month by month, so you can stay on track and start your senior year strong.

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Quick Answer: What should you do the summer before senior year?

The summer before senior year should be used to prepare for life after high school. Most students should:

• build a college list or career plan
• start applications or program research
• create or update a resume
• gain experience through work, volunteering, or training

Starting in June or July helps you avoid stress and stay ahead of deadlines in the fall.

June: Start Your Plan

• Decide your direction: college, trade school, workforce, or undecided
• Build a rough list of colleges, programs, or career paths
• Take a diagnostic look at your resume and activities

Goal: Gain clarity on your direction and identify what you need to work on this summer

July: Take Action

• Start your college essay or application materials
• Research trade programs, apprenticeships, or certifications
• Apply for summer jobs or shadow opportunities
• Begin building a strong resume

Goal: Make real progress on applications, experience, and skill-building

August: Prepare for Deadlines

• Finalize your college list or program choices
• Organize deadlines and requirements
• Ask for recommendation letters (if needed)
• Continue building experience

Goal: Enter senior year organized, prepared, and ahead of deadlines

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If You’re Not Going to College

You should still:

• research training programs or apprenticeships
• understand salary and job outlook
• start building skills (online or hands-on)

Still figuring out what comes after high school? Get a clear breakdown of college alternatives, career paths, and next steps on Level All.

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Common Mistakes

• Waiting until August to start
• Applying without a clear plan
• Ignoring non-college options
• Trying to do everything at once

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Final thought

The goal of this summer is not to finish everything. It is to get ahead so your senior year is manageable.

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Want a step-by-step plan for college, career, and life skills? Explore Level All’s expert-guided collections.