Summer College Planning Checklist

After working hard all school year, you deserve a break during the summer. It’s great to kick back and relax here and there. However, summer is also an opportunity to get ahead for the next school year. In particular, working through a summer college planning checklist can put you in a solid position for the year ahead. Try working through as much of the following checklist as you can, and don’t fret! There’s lots of fun stuff in this checklist too.

Checklists By Grade Level:

Freshmen: The Summer Before 9th Grade

Explore career and artistic interests

At this point, it’s not necessary to have a firm idea of your intended career. You’re still discovering who you are as a person and what sort of endeavors are most appealing to you. Now is the time to branch out and try a bunch of different things that look like fun. Spend some time thinking about what you’re passionate about.

Research GPA and high school course requirements for ideal colleges

Just as you don’t need to settle on a career just yet, you also don’t need to decide exactly where you want to go to school. However, you’re about to start high school, which means you’ll have some degree of choice regarding your class schedule—and your class schedule can influence college acceptance and career paths. Choose a few colleges of interest and check out their GPA and high school course requirements.

Get involved in extracurricular activities

Extracurriculars aren’t just fun and a great opportunity to make new friends; they’re also important for your college application. At this point, you don’t need to know exactly which clubs, sports teams, and student organizations you’d like to participate in for the rest of your high school years. It’s sometimes beneficial to join a few different activities to figure out where your interests lie. Then, decide which ones you’ll stick with. (Hint: Don’t join every single activity available.)

Attend a summer camp or event

Speaking of summer extracurricular activities, you’ll want to pack as much excitement into your summer break as possible. Talk to your parents about attending a summer camp or event (workshop, summer program at the local library, etc.). Look for one aligned with your interests, such as a camp that focuses on the arts or outdoor recreation.

Find a summer reading list for 9th grade

Books are immeasurably important, as reading opens up new worlds, explores a range of perspectives, builds empathy, and encourages critical thinking. Becoming a voracious reader will also help you ace language-related questions on the SAT® and ACT® tests. Look online for recommended summer readings for rising ninth graders. Some examples include:

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin
Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe by Edgar Allan Poe
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Look for volunteer opportunities

Did you know that altruism offers psychological benefits? Volunteering is not only good for you; it’s good for your community. Plus, it looks great on college applications. (Furthermore, altruism is a good vocab word to know for the SAT and ACT tests.)

Consider a test prep program

Speaking of the SAT and ACT tests, you may be ready to start preparing for them right now. If you’re a strong student, now can be a good time to develop a test prep plan. You could also talk to your parents about signing up for the Complete™ Program—a comprehensive test prep program.

If you don’t feel that you’re ready to begin preparing for the tests yet, that’s perfectly fine. You may want to visit with an expert to get some recommendations on the best time for you to start.

Plan your high school course schedule

By this point, you should have a general idea of where your interests might lie, although it’s perfectly fine if they evolve over time. Explore your school’s course catalog for the upcoming school year and determine which 9th grade courses appeal to you. Do note that your high school guidance counselor will determine much of your schedule, as you’ll be required to take the core classes. However, there may be some space for electives.

Go on a college visit at a nearby college

You may be wondering why this suggestion is on a college planning checklist for rising ninth graders. Some might say it’s too early to begin doing college visits. However, the point of doing visits now is not to choose which colleges to apply to.

Rather, it’s to develop a sense of the opportunities that await you. That’s why you should do a visit at the nearest college, regardless of whether you think you might want to attend it. Soak up the ambience in the quad, student center, library, and other points of interest around campus.

Research contest and competition opportunities

When you’re ready to put together application packages, you’ll need to stand out from other applicants. One way to do this is to enter into contests and competitions of interest to you. This can also be a great way to start earning scholarship money. Check out this list of competitions for ideas and play to your strengths.

2. The Summer Before 10th Grade

Enroll in a test prep program for the SAT, ACT, or PSAT tests

The most effective way to prepare for the SAT, ACT, and PSAT tests is to enroll in a comprehensive test prep program that offers the flexibility you may need. At KD, an advisor can meet with you for a free consultation to discuss if now is the best time to start.

Start building a college wish list

Use your time during the summer to research universities. Look for schools known for strong programs in your areas of interest. Keep a list of universities you’re researching, as well as notes on what you do and don’t like about them.

Research admissions requirements for colleges on your list

Add the admissions requirements to your notes for each school. Explore not only GPA and test score requirements, but also whether schools require or encourage interviews. Other requirements may apply for certain majors, such as artwork portfolios.

Re-evaluate your college prep plan

Once you have a firm idea of the admissions requirements, it’s a good idea to re-evaluate your college prep. Are you making good progress with your test prep program? Should you add more study time? If you’re struggling with a particular area, can you sign up for tutoring?

Start looking for a part-time job, research experience, or internship

Universities like students with a history of hands-on involvement. Look for an internship, part-time job, or even a research experience at a nearby college or program. Beyond college applications, these experiences will prove invaluable for you because they can help you develop soft skills.

Plan a passion project

You can have lots of fun joining extracurricular activities, but it can be a good idea to go a step further. Admissions officers love to see applicants who take the initiative to pursue their passions, even if that passion might not be directly related to your intended major. Some ideas include:

Start a food blog.
Launch a fundraising event for a nonprofit.
Start a new school club.
Do a major art project or science experiment.

Get involved in your community

If you followed the college planning checklist for ninth grade, you should already have some volunteering experience under your belt. If not, now is the time to dive in. Look for opportunities that suit your interests.

Continue to participate in the extracurriculars you love

In 9th grade, you may have tried a bunch of different extracurricular activities to see which ones suited you best. As a 10th grader, it’s perfectly fine if you decide that one or two of them just aren’t right for you. Continue to participate in the ones that appeal most to you, but remember that colleges like to see that students are involved.

Find a summer reading list for 10th grade

Your 10th grade summer reading list should include material that is a little more challenging. It’s a good idea to step out of your comfort zone. Here are a few ideas:

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Beloved by Toni Morrison
1984 by George Orwell
The Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

For more ideas, check to see if your school district has a recommended reading list for your grade level.

Start building your college resume

Many students wait to write their college resume until they’re already working on their applications. However, it’s best to start working on it early. By including this item on your college planning checklist for 10th grade, you’ll be less likely to forget important details.

Begin exploring college major options

It’s perfectly fine if you don’t yet know which major(s) you want to declare in college. You don’t need to decide yet, but do take some time to learn about the ones that appeal to you. Think about the courses in high school that you like the best and then look for related majors.

Research college scholarships

Did you know that you (or your parents) can start applying for scholarships as soon as you’re four years old? It might sound crazy, but it’s almost never too soon to start applying for scholarships. If you haven’t started yet, it’s definitely time to tackle this item on your college planning checklist. Create a spreadsheet to keep track of your scholarship research.

Go on a campus visit if your schedule allows

The summer before 10th grade can get pretty busy, especially if you’ve been closely adhering to this college planning checklist. However, do try to make some time for a college visit or two.

3. The Summer Before 11th Grade

Plan ahead for a challenging year of coursework

Things will really start heating up for you soon, academically speaking. In 11th grade, your courses will get more challenging, and you’ll likely have more assignments and major projects. Get a head start by periodically reviewing course material from 10th grade. This can prevent summer brain drain and build a good foundation for the year ahead.

Reflect again upon your intended career and major

By this point, you may already know which major and career path appeals most to you. Yet, it’s still okay to change your mind. Now is a good time to take a deeper dive into your career research. Check out the requirements for different careers, as well. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource for career research. When you click into an occupation, look for the “How to Become One” tab to see career requirements. Here’s an example.

Pursue job shadowing opportunities

Another way to reflect on your intended career path is to sign up for a job shadowing opportunity. Talk to your guidance counselor for help finding these.

Focus on your test score goals

By this point, you should know which test score range you’re aiming for. Adjust your study schedule accordingly and double down on your test prep program. Ask for guidance on how to best prepare for your upcoming national tests.

Continue doing college research and going on college visits

Continue looking at the schools on your shortlist and going on college visits whenever possible. Consider looking beyond your shortlist to see if there are possibilities that you didn’t yet see.

Attend a college summer camp or take a college summer course

Some of the colleges on your shortlist (or a nearby school) may offer a summer camp for high schoolers, such as a STEM camp. You might also take a summer course at a nearby college, which would really boost your applications.

Take the ACT and SAT tests

Many students take the ACT and SAT tests for the first time during this summer. KD recommends that students plan on taking the SAT and ACT tests at least two times each. Again, ask an advisor for expert guidance on how to plan your testing timeline.

Pursue leadership roles in your extracurriculars

As an 11th grader, you’ve likely already participated in your chosen clubs for a couple of years. Now is the time to begin pursuing leadership roles. It’ll sharpen your soft skills and look attractive on your college resume.

Attend college fairs and/or info sessions

College info sessions allow you to learn more about the school and its programs. It’s also a chance to network with the admissions staff. Write a list of questions before you go.

Consider signing up for a college counseling program

The college admissions process can get overwhelming! Consider talking to your parents about signing up for a college counseling program that will walk you through the process step by step.

Start brainstorming college essay topics

You don’t need to start writing the essays yet, but it can be helpful to brainstorm some topics that might work. College essay prompts tend to change from year to year, but they also typically follow similar themes. You can use the Common App essay prompts for this year as a starting point for coming up with potential topics, but keep in mind that you’ll need to check back again on August 1st, the summer before 12th grade, for the official prompts.

Research scholarship opportunities

Continue looking into scholarship possibilities and putting together compelling applications. Remember, the more scholarships you apply to, the better your chances will be of winning free money.

Create a plan for letters of recommendation

The schools on your shortlist may require one or more letters of recommendation. Consider which non-family members you could ask, such as influential teachers or volunteer job supervisors.

Start talking to your parents about how you’ll pay for college

College is worth it, but it’s definitely not cheap, and it’s best not to make assumptions about what your parents can and can’t afford. Print a list of tuition rates and other fees for the schools on your shortlist and find a good time to approach your parents for a straightforward chat.

4. The Summer Before 12th Grade

Finalize your shortlist of colleges

Your final year is finally here! Congrats on getting to this point. Your college planning checklist for this summer is all about finalizing your choices and finishing up items on your to-do list. For starters, take a hard look at your shortlist and make a final decision regarding the colleges to which you’ll apply. Application deadlines are very important here!

Complete or finalize your college visits

If you haven’t yet done so, you’ll need to finish doing your college visits. Try your best to visit every college on your finalized shortlist. If you can’t quite get to all of them, see if the remaining schools offer virtual tours.

Get a relevant summer job or internship

Look for internship and summer job opportunities in your area. Ideally, look for positions that are relevant for your intended major and career.

Start deciding on your major/career path

Although you still have some time to change your mind, you may be ready to make a final decision about your major and career. If you’re stressed out about it, it may be helpful to know that even as a freshman in college, you could still change your major if necessary.

Finish testing (if you haven’t already)

If you haven’t yet finished taking the SAT and ACT tests, you’ll need to do so ASAP. Remember that you’ll need those scores in time for the application deadlines.

Attend a College Application Boot Camp

The Apply Now! Boot Camp is four days of intensive work on college applications and essays. Held during the summer and early fall, this program is a great way to get a leg up on your applications.

Create a senior year bucket list

High school will be over sooner than you think, and with all of the deadlines to deal with this year, it can be hard to get to the things that you enjoy. Make a bucket list of things you’d love to do before you leave. Anything is fair game, like setting a sports record or attending a school dance.

Decide if you’ll apply early decision/early action

This can be a tricky decision. Consider talking to your college counselor or guidance counselor about it. If you apply early decision, you have entered a binding agreement to attend that school if accepted. Early action is non-binding. Both options require you to plan ahead and submit your applications ahead of the regular deadline. Read more about early college application deadlines.

Create a master list of college application deadlines

Good organization is crucial for avoiding the dreaded missed deadline. Post your master list of deadlines on your wall as a reminder to stay on track.

Write your college essays

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of a strong essay, and students often underestimate the number of essays they’ll have to write. You may need to go through several drafts before finalizing them. Always write them early, then set them aside, then reread and edit with fresh eyes. A helpful resource for this process is college essay tutoring.

Finalize your college resume

Put the most important details on your college resume, such as awards, specialized workshops, community service, special skills, etc. If yours is too lengthy, prioritize the activities that demonstrate a longer commitment.

Plan ahead for scholarship deadlines

It’s best not to wait to the last minute to finalize your scholarship application packages, especially if you need letters of recommendation. Again, keep a spreadsheet with all of your scholarship info to help you stay on track with this college planning checklist item.

Stick with your top extracurriculars

Senior year is hectic, and you may be tempted to set a few activities aside to slow the pace down. If so, stick with your top extracurriculars—those activities that you’ve been participating in for the longest amount of time and those in which you hold leadership positions.

Build a pre-college reading list for your senior year

You can expect more challenging reading assignments in college, especially in liberal arts fields. Get ready by challenging yourself during your senior year with titles such as the following:

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
The Daughters of Kobani: A Story of Rebellion, Courage, and Justice by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka

Remind your parents about the FAFSA or CSS Profile

Most years, the applications for the FAFSA and CSS Profile open on October 1 on the year before you’ll need the financial aid. The FAFSA deadline is typically June 30. (Double check these, as changes are possible.) The CSS Profile deadline varies by school.

How far in advance should I start planning for college?

It’s ideal to begin planning for college in 9th grade, although some go-getter students start in 7th or 8th grade. If you’re already past that point and you haven’t started, don’t worry! Just get started right away so you can catch up on your college planning checklist.

Why is it important to plan ahead for college?

For most students, moving from high school to college is the most significant transition yet. It’s complex, it requires a lot of decision making, and the admissions journey can be challenging. Planning ahead is crucial so that you can position yourself for success.

How do you organize college planning?

It’s easy to get disorganized, so start implementing a system right away. Keep all of your printed materials in folders and all of your online research in an easily accessible bookmarked folder on your internet browser. Additionally, keep a log of all of your activities and next steps in the process.

How does college planning during the summer help students?

The school year is busy! Between classes and homework, sports and clubs, it can be hard to fit in college planning. Working through a summer college planning checklist can help.

What should I look for in a college visit?

During a visit, you should check out the things that are most important to you, personally, and that are relevant for your major and career. Some items on your list will include:

Department of your major
Dorms
Campus health center & mental health services
Cafeteria
Library
Fitness center
Local community
Local transportation

Read more about how to create a college visit checklist.

Do colleges really care about volunteer hours?

They definitely do, but not all volunteer service is created equally. Specifically, admissions staff likes to see sustained commitment and authentic engagement.

Need help preparing for college?

When you’re ready to prepare for college, KD College Prep is here to help! We offer results-driven test prep programs and supportive college counseling services. Contact us today!

WE’RE ALWAYS READY TO CHAT

Reach out to schedule your free consultation today.

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“My time and experiences at KD College Prep have efficiently guided and prepared me for my future educational career as a college student. Not only did KD help me with college entrance exams but also provided numerous informational seminars that helped... Read more...

Tanisha P. – Class of 2020

“My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into helping me write the best essay possible, especially reviewing my essays twice to polish them completely. In addition, I have noticed that writing my resume has released a lot of stress off my shoulder when it comes to making sure I have all the things necessary to apply to schools.”

“My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into... Read more...

Claudia A. – Class of 2020

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of learning easier. I think that after you started going to a good amount of classes and the workshops, you knew every teacher, and they were always available to answer any questions that you had...Everyone was just so welcoming and made learning more engaging for the students, especially with the workshops. All of had their own unique style of teaching which never made a class boring.”

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of... Read more...

Rishab P. – Class of 2021

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or above... So many people told me it would be impossible to reach my desired score. After months of using KD's methods my scores definitely improved but hovered around 1350—still not near the score I needed but closer. After finally working with both of you during one on ones, my scores started to see heavy improvement and while I didn't get a score of 1520 or above as a single score, I got it as a superscore... Read more...

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or... Read more...

David P. – Class of 2022

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in awe at the consistent level of professionalism yet genuine concern for each and every person that walks through their doors. Thank you KD staff for being great mentors for our children!”

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in... Read more...

Gloria D. – Daughter, Class of 2021

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I have finished college applications, and I would love to thank all the teachers and aides at KD for giving me the score that I got on the test. Without the extra practice, I wouldn't have been able to get through to the score I got. These past 3 years went by so fast, and it is so fun to look back at where I started and how much I have come out with flying colors. Thank you so much!”

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I... Read more...

Kareena A. – Class of 2021

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were very helpful, and the individualized assistance I received from teachers were what really supported my learning. Special thanks to Ms. Barwick and Mr. Hoffman!”

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were... Read more...

Advika R. – Class of 2022

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in class. In conjunction, those two things helped me raise my score a lot because I was not a math kid before KD or high school. The repetition and being able to practice in a non-stressful environment and simulating that testing experience is something that was very beneficial for me... “The college counseling team was super patient and honest about the work I was submitting. I know for a lot of kids, it’s hard to articulate who you are through 250-300 words. It was definitely... Read more...

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in... Read more...

Blaine W. – Class of 2021

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a rising junior at the University of Miami, and my youngest son is an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt University. Steve’s help in navigating the complicated college landscape and finding the BEST FIT for my two sons is what has made this resource invaluable. “What made the biggest difference for my two sons was the depth and breadth of knowledge Steve has of the many universities and colleges in the U.S. First, by getting to know my kids on a one-on-one basis, he was able to... Read more...

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a... Read more...

Julio M. – Parent

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the summer. She liked being challenged academically, and she loved taking classes with high school students who were focused on their college goals. These students were also excellent role models! The lessons were especially important during the pandemic when it wasn’t a typical middle school experience.”

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the... Read more...

Beth L. – Advanced Start™ Parent

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got a 1530 on the December 5th SAT test. KD played a huge role in this, and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone there for helping me achieve this.”

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got... Read more...

Vyom S. – Class of 2022

"Our twin 16-year-old boys used KD College Prep to study/practice for the PSAT test, and we believe the classes and coaching were invaluable. Very professional and concise. Worth every penny!"

Jerry – Sons, Class of 2022

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests (1520, 1580, and 34). I really appreciate everyone's willingness to be flexible and accommodate my requests!”

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT,... Read more...

Mithra A. – Class of 2022

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test (third time) and a 35 on my ACT® test (first time). I remember the first ever practice test I took for the SAT test was a 1230 (about 1.5 yrs ago) and the first ever practice test I took for the ACT test was a 31 or 32 (about 6 months ago)."

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test... Read more...

Elise P. – Class of 2022

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents very informative and helpful during the process as well. My son (Jacob) graduated in 2018 and got a 32 on the ACT test. got accepted into Texas A&M but chose Baylor for Health Sciences. My daughter (Morgan) graduated in 2020 and got a 1450 on the SAT test and a 32 on the ACT test. got into an Ivy League school (Cornell) for Engineering. Both my kids say that they apply the test taking skills they learned at KD Prep to... Read more...

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents... Read more...

Jon D. – Parent

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard and other schools, but I've really started to immerse into the Emory culture, especially their debate team. Not having to pay for college and still attend a private institution is really a dream come true, and it wouldn't be possible if it were not for you.”

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard... Read more...

Shreyas R. – Class of 2020

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a good school will help me find my path. Also, Steve's knowledge about what colleges were wanting to see in potential admissions candidates was a huge help... “There was not one specific beneficial moment or turning point in my time working with Steve, there were many. He encouraged me during the entire application process and brought to my attention many colleges I wouldn't have considered or heard about without his help.”

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a... Read more...

Jake W. – Class of 2020

"I'm very happy my daughter chose KD as her learning partner to achieve her goals. All the experiences with KD and the Directors there are fabulous. My daughter has improved significantly."

Zarni, Daughter – Class of 2021

"I took KD classes the summer before my junior year, and I was finished with my SAT^® test by December...The test prep classes also helped me earn the award of National Merit^® Finalist."

Claire I. – Class of 2020

"It's been super helpful, and I've noticed my scores go up both on my SAT^®/ACT^® scores as well as test scores in school... Overall, I believe this to be the best college prep that money can buy."

Gopi C. – Class of 2021

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made sure that I would be successful in whichever college I picked, and I am eternally grateful for all their help and hard work!"

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made... Read more...

Omar S. – Class of 2020

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by far the most concerned about. I didn’t know how exactly I should go about choosing which places to apply to and if I were to be accepted, if they would fit me. The team did a wonderful job considering my likes and dislikes and helped me compile a list of colleges that suited my tastes and would further my academic career. "After this integral first step, my focus turned towards time management and writing quality essays that would stand out to colleges. I got... Read more...

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by... Read more...

Nina H. – Class of 2020

"I was thankful for all the help I received from KD in preparing for my SAT^® and ACT^® exams. The workshops they offered, as well as the practice exams, gave me the tools I needed to do my very best."

Morgan D. – Class of 2020

"KDCP is a must for students wanting to stay a step ahead of the game for getting into college. My son has gained huge insight from the ACT^®/SAT^® practice workshops, practice tests, and essay class."

Tiffany – Son, Class of 2021

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students wanting an edge on their national test scores!"

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students... Read more...

Daniel J. – Class of 2020

"Not only have I been able to significantly improve my test scores, I have learned a tremendous amount of information about the college application process due to complimentary events that KD offers."

Sam H. – Class of 2020

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the help from amazing teachers and staff. I am so grateful for KD!"

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the... Read more...

Matt K. – Class of 2020

"I started classes at KD the summer before 9th grade. I...made a perfect score on the PSAT (earning the National Merit^® scholarship) and, after taking the SAT^® test only once (a relief!), scored a 1590/1600."

Thomas D. – Class of 2019

"In just one year, I was able to raise my score by 300 points and get into my dream school."

Piper F. – Class of 2020

"Having our recent GHS graduate attend KD was life changing. It provided our son with choices and opportunities that he might not have had otherwise."

Kathy – Son attends Mizzou

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure out a personal plan that would work for her and were always available for our questions and helping her reach her goals. Every employee from the managers to the students working at their locations are top notch.”

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure... Read more...

Tracy – Daughter, Class of 2020

"The KD College Prep course not only provided test practice but also motivated her to work hard for her college applications. It gave her the confidence to dream big!"

Prema – Daughter attends Rice