What’s Next? An End-of-Year Guide for Every Grade Level

The end of the school year brings a well-deserved sigh of relief. While the summer months are primarily a time to rest, recharge, and step away from the daily academic routine, they also offer a quiet window to look ahead.

Whether you are preparing for middle school applications, gearing up for standardized tests, or getting ready to move into a college dorm, here is a straightforward look at what is on the horizon for each grade level this summer, and how to navigate it without the stress.

Elementary Schoolers

5th Graders and Younger

If you have standardized test results (like ERBs) or feedback from your teacher, this can give you a good sense of any academic growth areas. Other than that, stay the course. Play, figure out what you’re interested in, and have fun! 

Rising 6th Graders

Entering 6th grade is a major moment, and for many families, it means that middle school applications are officially on the horizon.

Summer is the ideal window to introduce yourself to the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam), a standardized test that is frequently recommended or required as part of the independent middle school admissions process. Rather than waiting until the busy fall semester begins, you can use these quieter months to build familiarity with the format.

• Your next step: Find your ISEE baseline on PEAK! Take a free diagnostic ISEE with us to see where you stand and what areas might need targeted review.
  • Take an ISEE Diagnostic 

Middle Schoolers

(Heading into 7th and 8th Grade)

If you noticed that your coursework felt a bit more demanding this past year, you are not alone. The academic rigor typically takes a noticeable step up in 7th and 8th grade. This transition is a valuable opportunity to build the advanced study habits you will need when you eventually reach high school AP and honors classes.

Instead of focusing only on content, use the summer to build those executive functioning skills (like time management and organization), solidify your math and writing fundamentals, or get a low-stress head start on your fall curriculum.

High Schoolers

• Rising Sophomores: Your main objective this summer is exploration. Use this time to shape your break in a way that is personally fulfilling and meaningful to your future college applications. Whether that means diving deep into a passion project, volunteering for a cause you care about, or learning a new skill, focus on genuine engagement over simply trying to check boxes on a resume.

• Rising Juniors: While it might not be the most exciting summer milestone, this is the optimal window for SAT or ACT preparation. Working on test prep now allows you to master strategies and build consistency before your junior year coursework and extracurricular commitments take over your schedule. Also, sign up for those test dates if you haven’t already. 
  • Not sure if you want to take the ACT or SAT? Take our free diagnostic. 

• Rising Seniors: Between narrowing down your final college list, requesting your teacher Letters of Recommendation, and drafting your personal statement essays, your summer checklist is extensive. Trying to tackle it all at once can feel overwhelming. A practical place to start is right here on the Mulholland Prep blog, where we break down each step into manageable pieces.

Off to College

Get excited! The hard work of the application process is officially behind you and your decision is made. Now, your only assignment is to get organized for the transition ahead.

Take some time this summer to map out what you actually need for your first semester (or quarter!) of college, coordinate with your future roommates, and make sure your final paperwork is submitted. You have a massive adventure ahead of you. Yippee!!

Wherever you are on your academic journey, finding the right balance between rest and preparation is key. If you’d like custom guidance on test prep, academic enrichment, or admissions counseling this summer, reach out to us at customercare@mulhollandprep.com.