June Perspecta by Stanford, Ivy League, and MIT Alumni
Finance Research Opportunities for High Schoolers, College Admissions Advice from Ivy League, MIT, and Stanford Mentors, Summer Prep Strategies and Reading Recommendations.
Welcome to Path Mentor’s monthly newsletter!
You are receiving this newsletter because you or your child signed up for the Path Insights community at one of our events in Stanford, Palo Alto, or Cupertino.
In June, the finish line is in sight. It’s the final stretch of exams, essays, and presentations before summer begins. For seniors, it’s the last hurdle before celebrating the end of high school and the start of a new chapter.
As spring turns to summer, it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and recharge, while also thinking ahead. You’ve probably heard that summer is the time to “get ahead” or “find your passion.” But what does that actually mean—and how do you even begin?
Opportunities This Summer
Finance & Equity Research Project Summer 2025
MENTOR DANIEL EEM | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY B.A., M.B.A., J.D.
Are you a high school student or rising college freshman interested in finance? Do you want to publish equity research papers, launch your own equity research firm, or prepare for finance and investment pitch competitions? Click here: Click here for more details and to access the application.
College Consultations and Long-Term Project-Based Mentorship
Whether you’re a rising high school senior seeking support with your college applications or a student just starting high school, Path Mentors offers personalized guidance from alumni of the Ivy League, Stanford, and MIT to help you stand out and succeed. We provide hands-on mentorship, proven strategies, and firsthand insights you won’t get from traditional counselors. Click to learn more or schedule a free consultation.
What You Should be Thinking About in June
As the school year winds down, summer offers the promise of a well-deserved break—an opportunity to relax, reconnect with friends, or dive into a favorite show. Yet, hovering over these summer months is the looming pressure of productivity: summer programs, test prep, volunteering, internships. You’ve probably heard that summer is a great time to “get ahead” or “find your passion.” But what does that really mean—and how do you even begin?
If you are feeling lost amid all the pressure, or are not sure where to begin, start with this: Summer 101: Exploring Your Interests
There are many different approaches to making your summer more meaningful. We’ve asked our mentors to share insights into their own summer experiences and how they’ve contributed to their own personal development.
I used to think summer was for checking out, shutting the laptop, ignoring the planner, and just floating through July like a pool noodle…
— Mentor Remy: High School Success Starts in the Summer
One question that was posed to me early in high school has always stuck with me: What do you want to do with your life?
— Mentor Alice: What Can You Picture Yourself Doing?
Summer Reading List
An article in The Atlantic recently caught my attention:
The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books…
With the rise in AI usage and algorithmically-curated content, old fashioned reading feels like a fading discipline. So why read?
— Mentor Kevin: Why Read? A Summer Reading List for Curious Minds
From the Archives
For June, we’ve gone back into our repository of writings and found a few articles that feel relevant for this month.
Our seniors will soon be heading off to college. This may be the first time you are living away from home. What does that mean for both you, and your parents? One of our mentors shares her observations:
“One of things I’ve seen happen time and time again with my mentees is that they are not prepared for the huge transition that occurs during their freshman year...if you do things correctly though, it will change for the better.”
— Mentor A.L: Managing and Growing your Relationship with your Parents in College
For our younger students, whether you are just entering high school or starting to draft your essays for this upcoming college application cycle, we recommend these two articles for insights on standing out among your peers in this hyper-competitive environment:
Mentor AJ — Beyond the Numbers: How to Stand Out to Your Dream School
Mentor MQ — Breaking the Stereotype
What Should I Be Doing?
While our seniors are just about home free, it’s a different story for the rest of our students. We’ve compiled an overview of important topics for each grade, so that you can best prepare for what will be coming next. This newsletter only contains the general overview for June, so make sure to read the links for more in-depth information.
8th Graders:
As your last year of middle school winds down, you’re closing the chapter on a special period of your life and facing the start of a new one. The summer before high school is one of your last summers where you can spend your time freely—without academic pressures or expectations. Take advantage of this! Spend time with your friends and start experimenting with your personal interests and hobbies. Set aside some time to plan out which courses you’re interested in taking, and how these courses might build upon your existing interests. Read more, here.
9th Graders:
With the first year of high school behind you, hopefully you’re feeling a little more settled and confident. Don’t worry if your grades aren’t perfect—just make sure you show real effort that you’re working on improving them. This summer, make sure you take time to recharge. Spend time with friends and family, relax, and if you’re up for it—pursue something you find interesting. Think about how you can build on your current passions and expand your skills and experiences. Don’t try and pack everything into the summer, but grow in ways that feel right to you. Read more, here.
10th Graders:
You’re officially halfway through high school—congratulations! That’s a big milestone, and a great moment to reflect on where you are and where you want to go. This summer is the perfect time to get serious—if you haven’t already, check in with a mentor or advisor to finalize your course selections and make sure your schedule is both rigorous and balanced. Plan and prepare for your SAT or ACT exams—taking note that they are offered only in specific months. Read more, here.
11th Graders:
You’ve made it through junior year—and now you’re facing down the last summer of high school. Whether you are volunteering, doing research, working, or pursuing something personal, focus on using this time wisely. If you haven’t yet, take your SAT/ACT because once college applications get going—it will be difficult to find the right bandwidth and schedule to do them. Work with your navigation mentor to develop a college applications list, reach out to your recommenders if you have not already, and start brainstorming ideas for your core essay. Read more, here.
It’s not easy packaging all of your experiences into just a few paragraphs. If you’re a rising senior seeking support with your college applications, Path Mentors offers personalized guidance from alumni of the Ivy League, Stanford, and MIT to help you stand out and succeed. We provide hands-on mentorship, proven strategies, and firsthand insights you won’t find with a traditional counselor. [Click here to get in touch with us.]
12th Graders:
Enjoy the summer, and celebrate all of the hard work from these past four years!
Spring Updates
Path Insights Workshops
Earlier in May, we hosted our third Path Insights session at Stanford University, where Stanford alumni shared their insights and advice. We have another session coming up at the end of June, so make sure to join our mailing list to stay up to date on further details and events.
Thanks for reading!
Are you new to the college admissions process? Not sure what advice to follow? Path Mentors provides personal mentorship with graduates from the Ivy League, Stanford, and MIT.
Schedule a free consultation: Click here.
Join our email list for future events