What Should My College Student Work on This Summer? (Hint: It’s Not More Content)
Summer break is finally here — and for many college students, it’s a much-needed pause after a tough academic year.
But here’s the thing: Academic growth doesn’t stop in May.
In fact, summer is one of the best times to work on the skills that matter most — without the pressure of grades and deadlines.
So if you’re a parent wondering how to help your student use this time well, here’s what we recommend:
📌 Focus on skills, not more schoolwork
Your student doesn’t need to retake Chemistry 101 over the summer.
They need to learn how to manage Chemistry 101 better when it comes back around.
That means focusing on things like:
🧠 Study Strategies That Stick
- How to take notes that are actually useful
- How to review material without re-reading for hours
- How to prep for exams — even when there’s no study guide
🕒 Time Management and Planning
- Building a weekly routine (and sticking to it!)
- Learning to break down big projects
- Avoiding the “I’ll do it later” trap
⚡️ Executive Functioning Skills
- Task initiation
- Focus and attention
- Emotional regulation when things feel overwhelming
Summer is the perfect time to practice these tools in a low-stakes environment — so they’re ready when the semester ramps up again.
💡 Want a place to start?
Have your student:
- Set a consistent sleep/wake schedule
- Pick one personal goal (e.g., fitness, journaling, reading, side project)
- Practice planning their week and tracking progress
If they need help building structure and staying on track, that’s where academic coaching can be a game-changer.
We work with students on the how of college — the systems behind success.
🎯 Want to stay in the loop for our Fall 2025 coaching enrollment?
Be on the lookout for our Fall 2025 Waitlist by following us on social media — and we’ll send tips, updates, and ways to support your student all summer long.
