Want to improve reading comprehension, spelling and vocabulary in one step this summer? Read! Even if it’s just for fun, reading more will strengthen your test scores and writing abilities, which will help when it’s time to apply for college.

Keep your math skills fresh over the summer by trying out math apps that challenge your abilities. Flexing your math muscles in this way will help reinforce what you know and make it easier to learn new math in the fall.

Take time to participate in extracurricular activities that appeal to you. It will help expand your interests and fuel your passions. Plus, colleges will learn a lot about you when they see how you spend your free time.

Start a file for important documents, like report cards, certifications, awards and honors, so you can keep track of your achievements. This will come in handy when you start applying for internships, scholarships and college. Create a free account with California Colleges to keep a digital record of your activities.

What are your passions? By talking about and exploring the things that excite you, you’ll get a better sense of who you are and what you’d like to focus on in the future, both of which will help on your path to college.

Have questions about residency or citizenship and what that has to do with college? Explore answers online and by talking to school counselors.

If you’re finding any classes difficult, no need to struggle alone! Talk to your parents, teachers and counselors about steps you can take to improve in challenging courses.

Treat yourself to a virtual visit to UCLA so you can get a sense of what your future could hold.

Summer enrichment courses and programs are often amazing experiences that allow you to try new things, build on existing skills and make new friends. Talk to your college counselor about possibilities and get ideas from sites like TeenLife and BigFuture.

Explore ideas for summer jobs, internships and volunteering with your counselor and on your own. You’ll learn a lot about commitment, time management and responsibility while gaining new skills and a better sense of who you are and what you do well.

Get ahead by taking community college courses over the summer for college credit. Earning college credits now will make your transition from high school to college easier and show colleges that you’re committed to learning.

Apply for a summer job, internship, volunteer experience or enrichment program before summer starts so you can figure out your schedule and make the most of your break.