Summer break is here, and with it comes a common concern for many parents: “Will my child fall behind if they step away from academics for a couple of months, or is summer truly meant to be a time to rest and recharge?” 

“Teens and young adults are in a very critical developmental stage where they need to be engaging and solidifying what sort of behaviors and patterns they want to become as young adults,” said María José LaMadrid, college counselor and founder of Admitology, a college admissions consulting platform dedicated to helping students strengthen their applications and find the right academic fit. 

We sat down with LaMadrid for episode #9 of Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast, “Summer Break or Summer Build? What High School and College Students Should Really Be Doing.” She mentioned that summer is not simply about “doing nothing” or “vegging around,” but it also should not become a season filled with overwhelming pressure and endless activities. Instead, students should use this time intentionally to explore interests, strengthen healthy habits, and develop behaviors that will help them succeed as young adults. 

“If we are thinking about what sort of rest is helpful, I encourage parents to encourage their students to focus on their passions during the summer,” said the LaMadrid. “Maybe they want to focus on playing a musical instrument, and they don’t have enough time to do that during the school year. This is the time to do it.” 

Growth does not always happen through traditional academics. Sometimes, meaningful development happens through responsibility, independence, creativity, and real-world experiences; and summer is a great time to gain these types of experiences. 

In this practical and insightful conversation aimed at high school and college students and their parents, we discuss what universities look for in applicants, as well as what students and families should be focusing on throughout the high school years. 

It is never too early to begin learning about college options, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid planning. Even in the first years of college, students can start looking for scholarships toward college. During senior year, many scholarship opportunities become available, and families should encourage students to apply broadly. It is important not to focus only on the largest scholarship awards, since those are often the most competitive. Smaller scholarships, essay contests, and awards of $1,000 or $5,000 can make a meaningful difference and often have fewer applicants. Over time, these opportunities can add up and help reduce the financial burden of college. 

This episode is filled with practical guidance for families and students navigating the college journey. LaMadrid shares helpful advice on scholarships, college admissions essays, summer opportunities, and how parents can support their students without taking over the process. Whether your family is just beginning to think about college or preparing for senior year, this conversation offers encouragement, clarity, and real steps students can take to feel more confident about their future. To hear her answer and learn much more, we invite you to tune in and listen to our podcast episode.