As summer approaches, you might be wondering how to make the most of those long, sunny days. Should you just relax? Get a job? Take a class? The good news is that summer is the perfect time to recharge and explore new interests without the pressure of schoolwork. Whether you’re a rising sophomore or about to start your senior year, finding a balance between relaxation and productivity can set you up for success – both personally and on your college applications! Read on for some fun – and productive – things to do this summer that will help boost your admissions chances.
Get Lost in a Good Read
Reading isn’t just about school; it’s a way to dive into new worlds, spark ideas, and even boost your writing skills (which will definitely help with college essays and applications down the road!). Don’t be afraid to read different materials – books, magazines, online newspapers, or blogs – each can help strengthen critical thinking and comprehension skills. And bonus alert – reading regularly can even help you with standardized tests like the SAT or ACT! Consider exploring different genres or diving into books that align with your interests. For inspiration, you can check out summer reading lists from schools or literary organizations, such as Teen Life, Time, and the American Library Association.
Earn and Learn
A summer job isn’t just about making some extra cash (though that’s a nice bonus!). It also helps you build skills like responsibility, teamwork, and time management—things colleges (and future employers) love to see on your application. Consider jobs that align with your interests, such as working at a bookstore if you love reading, or as a lifeguard if you enjoy swimming. Seize the opportunities that are available to you. If working isn’t an option, don’t worry – there are plenty of other ways to build skills and explore new interests!
Explore Colleges – One Campus at a Time
Visiting college campuses can give you a firsthand feel for what college life is like. It’s an opportunity to explore different environments. You can visit small, medium, or large campuses in rural, suburban, or city settings. This experience will help you determine what type of setting you prefer and make more informed decisions when choosing colleges. You can register for formal college information sessions and tours or visit more informally if you’re in the area. Beyond academics, summer is a great time to reflect on your experiences and start thinking about your future goals.
Write Down Your Thoughts – Your Future Self Will Thank You
So much of your college admissions journey depends on your ability to reflect. This includes college essays. Many prompts ask you to reflect on personal experiences or challenges. Journaling is a great way to practice this skill. If traditional journaling isn’t for you, consider digital journaling or using voice memos to capture your thoughts. Reflect in whatever way feels most natural for you. Try reflecting on your day, a significant event, or use prompts like “What do you want to be when you grow up?” or “Describe a challenge and how you navigated it”. This habit will help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your goals. You can also start to think about what matters to you and how to take action. This process will be extremely helpful when you are working on your college application essay.
Give Back and Make an Impact
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while showcasing your commitment to social causes. Think about what causes matter to you. Love animals? Check out local shelters. Enjoy working with kids? Maybe there’s a summer camp that needs extra hands. Giving back doesn’t just feel good, it lets you make a real impact in your community! Not to mention that you’ll likely develop leadership skills and demonstrate empathy, which are valuable traits. Look for local organizations or events where you can contribute your time and energy in a way that matters to you!
Take on an Academic Challenge
Enrolling in academic summer programs may allow you to take college-level courses, earn credits, and experience the rigor of higher education firsthand. You might find opportunities at a local community college, or online. Many colleges also offer pre-college programs designed to help high school students get a feel for what college life might be like by studying while living in the dorms. Not interested in a traditional academic program? No worries! There are other ways to challenge yourself—like finding an internship or research opportunity that lets you explore a career field firsthand.
Many high schools and local organizations may offer internships or research projects during the summer. Such programs offer hands-on experience in your desired field. You can also make your own opportunity by reaching out to local businesses. For example, if you’re interested in veterinary sciences, contact a local veterinarian or animal shelter to see how you might be able to help out and observe what it means to work there. Whatever you choose, these types of activities can enhance your college application. And for those of you who want to pursue something new, don’t be afraid to take a chance.
Start Something Cool
Ever wanted to start a podcast, launch a blog, or run a community project? Summer is the perfect time to go for it! Whether you’re sharing your love for baking on TikTok or organizing a fundraiser, colleges love to see students take initiative on something they care about. And the bonus is that you may be able to showcase your project in your college applications in supplemental essays or your activity list.
Summer Is About You
Summer break can be a transformative period that sets you up for success in college and beyond. By incorporating activities like these into your summer plans, you’ll not only enhance your college applications but also grow as a person. No matter what you choose, the best summer activities are the ones that excite and inspire you. Find something that sparks your curiosity, and don’t be afraid to try something new!
Looking for help with the college search and application process? We help students and families through the entire college planning journey – from search, applications and essays to interview prep, financial aid consultation and final school selection.
Contact us at info@signaturecollegecounseling.com or by phone, 845.551.6946. We work with students through Zoom, over the phone and by email.
