Dear Class of 2025: Our Best Advice

Dear Class of 2025,

Congratulations—you did it! After years of hard work, late nights, and big dreams, you’ve crossed the finish line of high school. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a little of both, we hope you’ll take a moment to be proud of all you’ve accomplished.

As you head into summer, here are a few ways to make the most of this unique window before college begins:

1. Rest—but don’t coast. You deserve time to relax. Sleep in, read for fun, travel if you can. But also take time to reflect on what habits you want to bring with you—and which ones to leave behind.

2. Tackle the adulting basics. Learn how to do your own laundry (properly). Practice managing your own schedule. Open a bank account if you haven’t already. These little steps will make your transition to independence smoother.

3. Reconnect with your roots. Spend time with family, visit your favorite hometown spots, and thank the teachers or mentors who supported you. The next chapter is exciting—but it’s okay to savor the ending of this one.

4. Start setting your own academic tone. Skim your college’s course catalog. If you’re undecided on a major, that’s okay—but be curious. Download your school’s academic calendar and plan ahead for orientation and registration.

“TOP TIER” GRADUATION ADVICE

Beyond the usual tips for navigating graduation season, we wanted to offer something a bit more personal. Here are a few words of wisdom, straight from our team, as you step into this exciting new chapter:

“Don’t try to chart out your entire future as it’s better to allow for some forks in the road to get to your final destination.”

Dr. Michele Hernández
CoFounder/Chief Experience Officer (CXO)

“Book a coffee or walk with someone who truly impacted you in high school, and then tell them why. Whether it’s a teacher, coach, mentor, or friend’s parent, take the time to express your gratitude before you leave for college. Not only will it mean the world to them, but it also helps you leave this chapter of your life with clarity, humility, and a deeper sense of connection. Small moments like this build a foundation for lifelong mentorship and authentic relationships.”

Dr. Elizabeth Doe Stone
President

“College life gives you more free time than you may have ever had. Use it wisely and take advantage of the amazing opportunities available to you!”

Julia Spaht
Senior Private Counselor & Lead Counselor: Application Boot Camp®

“Enjoy this wonderful time in your life. Stay in touch with your friends no matter how you parted ways. It’s a joy in life to connect with those who knew you and your family during your early years.”

Mimi Doe
CoFounder/Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

“Study abroad and travel abroad whenever you get the chance. It will introduce you to new ways of thinking and it is so much easier to fit into your life while you are younger! I have never regretted my time abroad in Italy and wish I could have fit in more opportunities abroad in college. I still travel, but it’s so much harder to get away now!”

Shannon Kennedy
Senior Private Counselor

“Choose courses based on the professor rather than the description. And, if possible, register for an extra class each semester so you can drop your least favorite during the ‘Drop / Add’ period as it is easy to drop but much harder to catch up with a new course even a week or two into the semester.”

Heidi Steinmetz Lovette
Senior Private Counselor

“Create a ‘happy moments portfolio’, something that can house emails where teachers praised your work, notes in which family members shared stories, photos of special moments or places you think you will remember every detail of but might not. This can be something that you open when you’re homesick, having an off day, or just want to have better recall on a happy memory. Your years are about to start flying by so this helps with the time whiplash a bit.”

Dr. Kristen Willmott
Senior Private Counselor & Graduate School Admissions Director

“Take care of yourself! College will present many new opportunities, and in the face of this excitement, it can be easy to put self-care on the back burner. Don’t neglect sleep, healthy food, or exercise. In addition to prioritizing your physical health, take care of your mental health. Whether it’s taking a walk in nature, a weekly call with your best friend from home, or pursuing a beloved hobby, prioritize the things that make you feel happy and fulfilled.”

Kate Rossetti
Senior Private Counselor

“Keep your circle tight and true; these real friendships will anchor you through life’s changes. Aim high, trust your instincts, stay curious, be gracious and let each new experience challenge you and deepen your thinking. Take advantage of the many opportunities that come your way, no matter which path you choose. You have so much ahead. Go after it with everything you’ve got.”

Deanna Proto
Director of Operations & Application Boot Camp®

“Congratulations, seniors! As you transition to the next chapter of your life, embrace new experiences and explore different academic interests.”

Jenifer Moralez
Client Services & Enrollment Advisor

“Push yourself to do things alone, whether that’s attending speaker events on even a concert. College is the time to learn independence and to become comfortable being with yourself. Study abroad if you can and go on solo trips, you’ll learn so much about yourself. Spend time in nature, journal, and get as much sleep as you can. Above all, be kind to yourself and to others.”

Siena Swift
Creative Content Coordinator

“My advice is to take this time to explore things you haven’t had a chance to before. College might be the last opportunity to easily dig into a hobby like glassblowing, or hosting a radio show, or to participate in a code-a-thon. You may develop a life-long passion!”

Carolyn Garbati
Enrollment and Tutoring Manager

Above all, don’t worry about being “college-ready” in some perfect way. Just keep showing up with curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to grow.

We’re cheering for you,
Your Top Tier Admissions Team