
Summer break is a great time to unwind and take a break from school, but it’s also a valuable opportunity to get a head start on college preparation. From volunteering to internships, summer can be a time of growth and exploration that enhances your college application and helps you develop new skills.
Here are some ways to make the most of your summer break to set yourself up for college success.
1. Volunteer in Your Community
Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back to your community while gaining experience and building skills that colleges appreciate. Many colleges look for applicants who have made a positive impact, and volunteering demonstrates a commitment to helping others.
Ideas for Volunteering:
Community Centers or Food Banks: Help with organizing events, food drives, or educational programs.
Animal Shelters: Spend time caring for animals, organizing adoption events, or assisting with shelter operations.
Environmental Cleanups: Participate in local cleanups or environmental initiatives to support sustainability efforts.
Pro Tip: Choose a cause you’re passionate about and seek a long-term volunteering role if possible. Consistent involvement can make a strong impression on college applications.
2. Pursue an Internship
Internships are a fantastic way to explore career fields and gain real-world experience. Many high school students think internships are only for college students, but more companies are opening positions for motivated high schoolers who want to learn and contribute.
How to Find an Internship:
Local Businesses or Family Contacts: Reach out to small businesses or ask family members if they know of any internship openings.
School Resources: Talk to your guidance counselor or career advisor, who may know of internship opportunities tailored for high school students.
Online Platforms: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Handshake often post internships specifically for high school students.
Pro Tip: Even if it’s an unpaid internship, the experience you gain will be invaluable, and it will help you build connections for future opportunities.
3. Take Online Courses
Online courses are a convenient way to explore subjects that interest you and add depth to your academic profile. Many platforms offer courses taught by professors from top universities, allowing you to dive into subjects that might not be offered at your high school.
Recommended Platforms for Online Courses:
Coursera and edX: Offer courses in everything from computer science to psychology and economics.
Khan Academy: Provides free courses on core subjects, SAT prep, and college-level topics.
Skillshare and Udemy: Great for developing practical skills, such as coding, graphic design, and digital marketing.
Pro Tip: Choose a course related to your intended college major, as it will show admissions officers that you’re dedicated to learning in that field.
4. Join a Summer Program
Summer programs are designed to give high school students a taste of college life and academic rigor. These programs often take place on college campuses, allowing you to experience college-level courses, interact with professors, and meet peers from diverse backgrounds.
Popular Summer Programs:
University-Sponsored Programs: Many universities offer summer programs in areas like STEM, business, arts, and humanities. Examples include the Stanford Summer Session and the Columbia Summer Program.
Nonprofit Programs: Programs like Girls Who Code or LEDA Scholars Program focus on skill development and preparing underrepresented students for college.
Study Abroad Programs: Organizations like CIEE and EF offer programs that allow students to travel, learn a new language, or study cultural topics abroad.
Pro Tip: Some summer programs are competitive and require applications, so apply early to secure your spot. Many also offer financial aid or scholarships for students.
5. Start a Passion Project
A passion project is a unique way to explore your interests in a creative, meaningful way. It allows you to showcase your individuality and commitment to a topic outside of school requirements, which can be especially impressive on a college application.
Ideas for Passion Projects:
Start a Blog or YouTube Channel: Share your knowledge or experiences in a subject you’re passionate about, such as writing, cooking, or science.
Create an Art Portfolio: If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in the arts, use your summer to develop a portfolio of your best work.
Research Project: Choose a topic you’re curious about and conduct independent research. This could even lead to entering a science fair or writing a research paper.
Pro Tip: Passion projects are most impactful when they’re self-driven and showcase your unique interests, so choose something you genuinely care about.
6. Prepare for Standardized Tests
If you plan on taking the SAT or ACT, summer is a great time to prepare. Without the pressure of schoolwork, you can focus on improving your test scores, which can make a big difference in your college application.
Study Tips for Standardized Tests:
Create a Study Schedule: Set aside dedicated time each week to study, and break it up by topic (e.g., math on Mondays, reading on Wednesdays).
Use Online Resources: Khan Academy offers free SAT prep, and ACT Academy provides free resources for ACT practice.
Take Practice Tests: Simulate test day conditions by taking timed practice tests. This will help you get used to the pacing and structure of the exam.
Pro Tip: Aim to take one practice test each month during the summer to monitor your progress and adjust your study plan.
7. Read and Expand Your Knowledge
Reading is one of the best ways to expand your mind, improve your vocabulary, and expose yourself to new ideas. Whether you’re reading fiction, nonfiction, or academic material, the skills you develop from reading will benefit you in college.
Reading Suggestions:
Classics and Literature: Reading classics can strengthen your analytical skills and give you context for college-level literature classes.
Nonfiction: Books on topics like history, science, and psychology can provide new perspectives and inspire your future studies.
College-Level Material: Consider reading introductory college textbooks or articles related to your intended major.
Pro Tip: Keep a reading journal to jot down thoughts, favorite quotes, or key insights. This can be helpful when discussing books in college essays or interviews.
8. Work on Your College Essays
If you’re entering your senior year, summer is an ideal time to start drafting your college essays. College essays are a key component of your application, and starting early gives you time to refine your ideas.
Tips for Writing College Essays:
Brainstorm Topics: Think about your unique experiences, accomplishments, and challenges. Choose a topic that reflects your individuality.
Write Multiple Drafts: Start with a rough draft and gradually refine it. Ask teachers, friends, or family members for feedback.
Focus on Authenticity: Colleges want to know the real you, so be honest and let your voice shine through in your writing.
Pro Tip: Aim to complete a first draft of your personal statement by the end of summer. This will give you a solid foundation to work with when school starts.
Conclusion
Using your summer break for college prep doesn’t mean you have to give up all your free time. By dedicating even a few hours each week to these activities, you can make meaningful progress toward your college goals. Whether it’s volunteering, taking an online course, or starting a passion project, every step you take will build your skills, deepen your interests, and make your college application stand out.
So start planning your summer and make the most of your break. Your future self will thank you!
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