This Surprising Summer Strategy Could Give You a Major Edge in College Admissions–Expert Reveals

Why Summer Is the Secret Weapon in College Prep Success
By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert®

When students think of summer, they think of sun, sleep, and socialising, not standardised testing or scholarship deadlines. And honestly, I don’t blame them.

But as someone who’s worked with over 100,000 students preparing for college, I’ve seen firsthand how using just a few hours a day in the summer can make all the difference when application season hits.

This isn’t about sacrificing fun. It’s about building in the future while still enjoying the now.

Let’s break down why summer is one of the smartest times to prep, and how students can do it without burning out.

Why Summer Matters More Than You Think

Here’s what makes summer so powerful for students aiming at top schools:

• No homework.
• No exams.
• No after-school activities.

It’s one of the only windows in a student’s academic career where time is truly flexible, and that’s a golden opportunity.

If you’re preparing for the SAT, ACT, or working on applications, summer is the time to get ahead without competing demands. Students who wait until fall are suddenly juggling school, sports, clubs, and looming deadlines. That’s when the stress really hits.

How Much Time Should You Spend on College Prep?

You don’t need to turn your summer into a grind. I always tell students: this isn’t about 8-hour study marathons. Treat it like light homework.

Here’s a solid rule of thumb:

2–4 hours a day, 5 days a week.

That’s it.

If you do this consistently over a few weeks, you’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish:

• Mastering SAT or ACT strategies
• Taking full-length timed practice tests
• Drafting and editing personal essays
• Researching and applying for scholarships

The key is structure. Block off a few hours each morning or afternoon. Then spend the rest of your day swimming, traveling, gaming, working, whatever makes summer great for you.

What You Should Be Working On

To make the most of this prep window, focus on three big buckets:

1. Test Prep
This is your time to build testing skills without distractions. Focus on official practice exams, time management drills, and strategy.
Platforms like Prep Expert® offer guided online courses with top 1% instructors that walk you through real SAT, ACT, and PSAT content, and give you scoring guarantees.

2. Essays and Applications
Summer is the best time to brainstorm, write, and revise your personal statement. You’ll have space to think and write without rushing. Trust me: starting early takes the pressure off and lets your authentic story shine through.

3. Scholarships
There are thousands of scholarships out there, many with summer deadlines. Even applying to a few each week could yield thousands in savings. At Prep Expert®, we’ve helped students earn over $100 million in scholarships using these same strategies.

What If You’re Just Getting Started?

That’s totally fine. College prep doesn’t require a perfect plan on Day 1, it just requires momentum.

Here’s a quick starter guide if you’re feeling overwhelmed:

• Week 1: Take a full-length SAT or ACT practice test to establish a baseline.
• Week 2: Start building a test prep schedule. Use trusted platforms like Prep Expert® for structure.
• Week 3: Begin outlining or drafting your college essay.
• Week 4: Identify 3–5 scholarships and submit your first round of applications.

Rinse and repeat. It’s not about doing everything at once, it’s about doing something every day.

How Parents Can Support the Process

Summer is also a great time for parents to get involved, without micromanaging. Some helpful ways to support:

• Set a consistent daily schedule that includes prep time.
• Create a distraction-free environment for focused work.
• Check in weekly to track progress and offer encouragement.
• Explore college options together and talk through financial goals.

When students feel supported instead of pressured, they’re more likely to stay consistent.

Why Starting in Summer Pays Off in Fall

Students who prep during summer walk into senior year feeling calm, confident, and ready.

They’ve already tackled most of the big stressors, tests, essays, even early scholarships. That means more time to focus on fine-tuning applications, enjoying senior year activities, and making thoughtful decisions about college.

On the flip side, students who wait often end up scrambling in September and October. That’s when burnout hits, and opportunities are missed.

The summer strategy pays off in peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

At Prep Expert®, we believe that students don’t need to sacrifice summer to succeed in college admissions, they just need a smart plan and a few consistent hours each week.

The truth is, college prep doesn’t have to be stressful. When done right, it can actually be empowering. You’re taking control of your future before the school year even starts.

So enjoy the pool, the travel, and the rest. But carve out space for your goals too. Your future self will thank you.

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Dr. Shaan Patel is a Shark Tank winner, bestselling author, and founder of Prep Expert®, an education company that has helped over 100,000 students improve test scores, win scholarships, and gain admission to top universities. He scored a perfect SAT and is passionate about expanding access to education worldwide.