8.26 Countdown!

Hey there, you in the pool! That's right: you!

Athena Advises

Yes, we have one more summerly week before the Common Application for 2017-18 goes live.You could spend the week under water.Or you could check out a few cool moves that will make sure you're in better shape on the Big Day. Whether you're a rising ninth grader or heading into your gap year, here are some ideas that will keep you on track for college, without making you feel like your summer is over before it began.Try these two suggestions:1. Are you on vacation in someplace far away from your usual residence? Or do you wish you were traveling? Download an audiobook that will give you greater understanding of the history of a new place. Just type the name of your vacation spot into the search bar on amazon. For example, there is more to Hawaii than beaches! Hawaii was a key refueling point during World War Two. Cambodia? I highly recommend Camron Wright's The Rent Collector.2. Browse a couple of college websites. What news is featured on their home page? What is the college most proud of this summer? Check out clubs, theater groups, orchestras and other extracurricular activities at those colleges. It will give you a good idea of what students at that college love to do. If you are on your way to that college, it will make you feel that you can't wait to get started!I myself have never felt the appeal of doing nothing. The world is just too interesting! Dr. Marlena CorcoranFounder and CEOAuthor of Year by Year to College, on amazon.com, amazon.de and many national amazon sites