3 Free Things You Can Do Right Now to Prepare for College — No Matter What Grade You're In
When it comes to preparing for college, many parents think of test prep courses, tutoring, or pricey summer programs. But here’s the truth: some of the most powerful steps your student can take cost absolutely nothing—and they can start today.
Whether your child is a rising 9th grader or halfway through high school, here are three free and meaningful ways they can begin laying the foundation for a strong college application and a fulfilling future.
1. Start Journaling
Journaling isn’t just about writing your feelings. It’s a powerful tool for self-discovery–an important aspect of intellectual curiosity.
Encourage your student to set aside 10 minutes a day to write about what lights them up: what they love learning, what frustrates them, what they dream about, what makes them feel useful. Over time, patterns will emerge—and these reflections can become the beginnings of future essays, personal statements, and even career paths.
Bonus: This practice builds writing fluency and emotional insight—two things admissions officers notice.
Try this prompt to start:
“What’s something I did this week that made me feel proud, challenged, or curious?”
Check out this simple guide to reflective journaling from Zen Habits for more tips.
2. Go Deep on What They Love
Colleges aren’t looking for students who’ve done everything. They’re looking for students who’ve gone deep—students who show genuine curiosity and commitment to their interests.
Whether your student loves marine biology, storytelling, coding, activism, or anime, they can start building expertise now. That might mean:
Watching free lectures on Khan Academy or Coursera
Volunteering in related spaces
Starting a personal project, ideally non-academic
Reaching out to a local expert in their field of interest
The goal is depth, not perfection. Going deep shows initiative, passion, and purpose—all key traits admissions officers are looking for.
3. Meet People
It’s never too early to start building relationships. Mentors, coaches, teachers, and professionals in your student’s areas of interest can open doors in surprising ways.
These connections might help them find opportunities, write recommendation letters down the road or help deepen and support their interest. Most importantly, they model what it looks like to live a life driven by intellectual curiosity and impact.
Encourage your child to:
Join clubs or community groups related to their interests
Attend free events/seminars at local colleges or museums
Mine your own network for people who might be willing support your child’s interests
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to wait—or spend money—to help your child prepare for college. With reflection, curiosity, and connection, your student can begin crafting a story that admissions officers will engage with.
At MRM Education, we believe college prep isn’t just about accomplishments. It’s about becoming—and that starts with knowing yourself and pursuing the interests that light you up.
Need more support for your student?
Contact MRM Education for personalized tutoring, enrichment, and math skill-building programs.
