Middle school is the time to build confidence and explore interests. With the right guidance, you can excel and unlock future opportunities.
STARTING EARLY
Middle school college prep matters.
Many families wait until high school to start thinking about college, and by then, key opportunities may have already been missed. Preparing for the college application process early helps students grades 6-8 build the skills, confidence, and strategic mindset needed to thrive in high school, college, and everything after.
Identify and address academic gaps and goals
Explore interests and potential extracurriculars, establishing a clear path forward
Develop strong study habits, test-taking skills, and written expression
Make the transition into high school a bit more seamless
Gain confidence, proactivity, and effective time management skills
Our Approach
Personalized, proven college prep for middle school students
At Empowerly, we provide expert one-on-one guidance to help middle school students build essential skills, explore interests, and achieve high school success, getting them into tip-top shape for a successful college application journey.
Working Together
How we help middle school students succeed
Our approach
Test-drive interests before stakes raise
Middle school is the perfect time to explore new interests in a low-stakes environment. Coding, debate, artsātry them all, then spend the next few years nurturing a well-rounded combo based on where your passion and interests flourish.
Master the basics
Build a strong academic foundation and fill any gaps nowānot later when GPA and test scores count. Nail math, writing, and science fundamentals before the challenge of high school honors, AP coursework, and standardized tests begins.
Develop expertise early
Colleges want to see depth of knowledge, not just breadth. Getting an early start evolves students naturally, guiding them from school clubs to regional competitions and onward to high-exposure research projects. Enter high school with a proven track record of impact and expertise.
Cultivate leadership & impact
Great leaders aren’t forged overnight, which makes the middle school years prime time to take initiative, launch projects, and create real community impact. Itās a time to incubate ideals and values, and apply knowledge and skills to community betterment.
Stand out in college admissions
Middle schoolers with an early foothold in academics and extracurriculars enter high school with direction, confidence, and an indisputable history of success. College admissions offices review thousands of student profilesāmake sure to tell a uniquely compelling story they remember.
Forge a strong foundation for the future.
Let’s start paving your childās path to college today. With our middle school college prep program, you can breathe easy knowing a whole team of experts is dedicated to supporting your child through middle school and high school, setting them up for success in college and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why start college prep in middle school?
Preparing for the college application process early helps middle school students build strong study habits, organizational skills, and academic interests in a low-pressure environment. Strategic course planningāespecially in core subjects like math and languageāensures access to advanced opportunities in high school. Most importantly, early prep fosters confidence and a college-bound mindset, particularly for first-generation students. Preparing for college years in advance can reduce stress for students (and parents) and allows for genuine exploration of passions. A holistic approach enhances academic success, independence, and personal growth, setting students up for achievement beyond high school and college.
For more information about our middle school programs, we recommend booking a complimentary intro consultation with our admissions team. Together, we can brainstorm a strategic path to success.
What if I canāt start college prep in middle school?
Thatās okay! While early prep has its advantages, itās still possible for students to build strong college applications in high school. The key is to start as soon as possible with strategic course selection, extracurriculars, and skill development (particularly in writing and standardized test-taking). Regardless of when you start, nailing down a focused plan can maximize your opportunities and help you stand out in the admissions process.
Curious which Empowerly plans would be a great fit for you? Take this 45-second quiz to find out.
How does middle school college prep help with course selection?
Counselors guide students in choosing classes that build foundational knowledge, prepare for honors or AP courses, and align with long-term academic goals.
Can middle school college prep help with extracurricular planning?
Yes. Empowerly helps students identify leadership opportunities, clubs, and passion projects early, creating a strong profile that highlights initiative and interests.
How do middle school students develop strong study habits?
Counselors teach time management, organization, note-taking, and test prep strategies, helping students build lifelong skills that support academic success.
Does Empowerly help with social-emotional development?
Absolutely. Middle school prep emphasizes confidence, resilience, and self-advocacy, helping students navigate academic challenges and personal growth.
Are middle school parents involved in the college prep process?
Yes. Parents receive guidance on supporting students while fostering independence, ensuring a collaborative approach to academic planning and goal setting.
How do I get started with Empowerlyās middle school programs?
Schedule a free consultation with Empowerly to explore programs, set goals, and create a personalized plan that aligns with your childās strengths and aspirations.
Can middle school college prep improve high school readiness?
Yes. Early prep equips students with the study habits, academic foundation, and confidence they need to excel in rigorous high school courses, setting them up for long-term success.
Does Empowerly offer personalized guidance for middle schoolers?
Absolutely. Every student receives a customized plan focused on academics, extracurriculars, and personal growth. This tailored approach ensures students stay motivated and prepared for future college goals.