For college-bound high school seniors, the summer after graduation is typically a busy time. Between working summer jobs, celebrating with friends, and fending off clingy parents who are prematurely misty over the impending departure of their kids, students might neglect — or even purposely avoid — intellectual engagement, believing that rest is needed before the rigors of college begin.

But this would be a mistake for most students — the loss of academic rigor and skills over the summer months can set students back when they return to school. And though everyone needs a break, it’s especially important for high school seniors to keep learning through the summer months in order to prepare for the rigors of college.

To that end, a few ideas to avoid the summer slide and get prepared for college:

1. TAKE AN ONLINE COURSE: One of the best ways for students to maintain their academic skills over the summer is to use them! Most colleges today now offer online courses; students can enroll in a course to reduce their course load in the fall semester or to get a taste of college-level work by focusing on just one at a time. Or, given the realities of financial aid packages that don’t begin until full-time enrollment in the fall, free online college courses, such as those offered by high-caliber universities like Stanford and Princeton, MIT and Harvard, provide a realistic glimpse into college-level courses.
2. READ WITH PURPOSE: Though summer blockbusters are always appealing, students should take the time to browse through online college bookstores, take a look at the textbook list for enrolled courses, and get started on the assigned reading. Many professors also post course syllabi, allowing students to get a look at the assignments for the semester. Note that some professors prefer that students read texts within the context of the courses’ lectures and discussions, but for those who want to get a jump on the semester, students will not only maintain their learning habits, but can also reduce the amount of work that must be completed during the semester.

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