Next Level Consultant, LLC

If your student is entering 9th or 10th grade, this summer isn't about building the "perfect" résumé. It's about creating experiences that help them grow, discover new interests, and build confidence. A few intentional choices now can make future college planning feel much less overwhelming.

The 5 Priorities
1. Read consistently.
2. Explore one new interest or hobby.
3. Volunteer or serve in the community.
4. Visit a college campus if you're traveling.
5. Enjoy being a teenager.

Save this post for later, and if you'd like help creating a plan that fits your student, visit https://www.nextlevelconsultantllc.com.

A lot of families assume they'll worry about college costs later. The challenge is that some of the biggest financial decisions are made long before applications are submitted. Building a thoughtful college list can make a significant difference in both options and affordability. The goal isn't simply getting in—it's finding schools that make sense academically, personally, and financially. If affordability is part of your family's college conversation, you're asking the right questions.

As May comes to a close, many families start feeling like the college process is speeding up. But this is actually a very normal stage where things begin shifting from “thinking about it” to “starting to shape it.”

You don’t need to have everything figured out yet. What matters most right now is simply getting clearer about direction so the next steps feel easier, not heavier.

👉 If you want to start the next phase with more clarity, this is where we begin: https://www.nextlevelconsultantllc.com