According to educational psychologist Dr. Denise Pope of Stanford University’s Challenge Success initiative, students who pursue a broad set of interests and develop self-awareness early on are more likely to find lasting fulfillment in both education and career. Exploring widely in the early years leads to more authentic, compelling college applications—and more personally aligned educational paths.

This is not the summer for deep college research. But it’s a great time to start gently introducing the idea of “fit.”

• Visit a campus or two nearby—no tours needed, just walk the grounds.

• Watch vlogs or read blogs by students from different types of schools.

• Explore school websites for programs aligned with their budding interests.

If you're looking for more than just a list of things to do, you're in the right place. This guide is for those who want to help students explore with intention—not anxiety. Junior year may open the college conversation, but summer is when students start to hear their own voice in it. Let’s make space for that.

Senior year is full of expectations—some external, some internal. The months leading up to college applications can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. This summer is not just about getting things done; it’s about getting clear. At Hamlet Education Group, we believe that the strongest applications come from students who are aligned with their own stories, values, and goals.

One of the biggest myths is that arts degrees don’t lead to "real jobs." But here’s the truth: The arts and culture sector contributed over $919.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019—that’s 4.3% of the country’s GDP (Americans for the Arts).