Originally Posted by Irena
... should we be doing something now?
Great question, Irena. smile
In planning ahead, the books of Elizabeth Wissner Gross may be of interest.
Two books for parents, one for kids but you may want to read it first:
1) What High Schools Don't Tell You and Other Parents Don't Want You to Know,
2) What Colleges Don't Tell You, and Other Parents Don't Want You to Know,
3) Write Your College Essay in Less Than a Day.

These books help parents and kids see that there are many activities helpful to kids when looking forward to college, and many approaches to essay about them.