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Guide/08 Before College

Preparing for College Life

Making the most of the summer before college, and the one piece of advice that matters most in your first weeks.

Chapter 24 of 242 min readUpdated September 23, 2026 Preview

For many students, the summer after committing is the first time in years without the weight of college applications. Enjoy it.

This short chapter covers how to spend that summer — and the advice students hear over and over from friends who've just finished their first year.

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What’s in this chapter

  1. 1Your summer
  2. 2The most important advice: ask for help
  3. 3Making real friends
  4. 4A last word