​Academic success extends beyond achieving high grades.

March 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

It involves strategic planning to align your education with post-secondary goals. Colleges and employers value students who demonstrate initiative, purpose, and adaptability beyond the classroom.

Here are five expert tips to maximize your academic planning:​

1. Be Intentional in Course Selection

If you aim to attend a top-tier college, enrolling in the most rigorous courses available at your high school is crucial. However, balance is key.

Regardless of your target institution, challenge yourself with advanced courses where possible and explore options that support your aspirations. This approach not only showcases your academic commitment but also prepares you for the demands of higher education.​

2. Engage in Real-World Learning

College Consultants of South Carolina encourages high school students to participate in clubs, research projects, volunteering, and internships that align with their academic interests. These activities provide practical experience to develop empathy, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility.Grades are necessary but not the sole factor in college success. Internships, research projects, and job shadowing provide hands-on experience and demonstrate your commitment to learning beyond the classroom.

These experiences are also invaluable in helping you determine if a particular career path is a good fit.​

3. Pursue Academically Driven Extracurriculars

Participating in clubs or academic programs that align with your interests can reinforce your academic pursuits and help develop leadership skills.

Clubs like debate, robotics, mock trial, or yearbook can provide practical experience and enhance your college application.​

4. Develop Strong Communication Skills

The ability to articulate your ideas clearly through public speaking, writing, discussions, or content creation is an essential lifelong skill.

Practice through presentations, essays, and conversations to strengthen these skills. Strong communication abilities are highly valued in both academic and professional settings.

The College Planning Center in South Carolina helps parents and high school students effectively plan their college education; this involves researching and selecting colleges that best fit a student's academic and personal preferences, leading to better alignment with their academic goals and college success.

5. Seek Out Networking and Mentorship Opportunities

Building relationships is crucial in any field. Gaining insights from experienced mentors, such as teachers, alumni, and professionals, can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable information about your desired career path.

Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or recommendations; mentorship can significantly influence your academic and career trajectory.​

South Carolina Opportunities for High School Students

For parents of high school students in South Carolina, here are numerous programs that can enhance academic and personal development:

Internships, Research Programs, and Summer Camps

South Carolina Aquarium High School Intern Program

This program offers 11th-grade students in the Charleston area a paid internship opportunity. Participants attend training classes on animals, ocean science, career development, and team-building skills. Selected students continue as paid interns, working alongside aquarium educators and biologists.

Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School InternshipsThe College Consultants of College Planning Center in South Carolina offer personalized guidance in academic planning and college preparation for college admissions success,

AEOP provides high school students with authentic science and engineering research internships, working one-on-one with Clemson University researchers or Department of Defense scientists. These internships offer hands-on experience in various STEM fields.

University of South Carolina’s Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series

This summer program offers academically talented rising 6th through 12th graders the chance to engage in courses led by university faculty. Subjects vary annually, providing diverse academic enrichment opportunities.

South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) Summer Camps

GSSM’s GoSciTech residential camp offers rising 8th through 10th graders over 20 unique STEM courses, led by college, university, and GSSM professors. Students experience campus life while engaging in hands-on STEM learning.

Strategic academic planning is important both inside and outside of the classroom. Be intentional with how you spend your summers and free time. While taking a break and enjoying time off is essential, setting aside even a tiny bit of time to further your academics will set you apart from other candidates.

If your student needs personalized guidance in academic planning for college admissions success, our team at The College Planning Center is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free 30-minute consultation!

Free download of College “Fit” Inventory for College Planning.

CPC is a team of seasoned experts who provide students and their families with personalized guidance through the college admissions process.Special thanks to Lizzie Goddard for writing this blog post.

Lizzie has a Bachelor of Arts in English/Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Endicott College in Beverly, MA. She is currently working as an 11th-grade English Teacher for an online school, specializing in teaching writing and managing a group of students to ensure they graduate from high school with the required credits to attend their desired college.

Lizzie’s greatest passion is guiding students to achieve their post-secondary goals.