Summer months aren’t just for going to the beach and partying. Sorry, high schoolers, but summer is one of the most important times of the year to get in all those extracurricular activities you’ll need for those college applications.
Donna Zilkha, director of college services at Aristotle Circle, has some ideas for teens to get that college prep in motion.
She says:
Winter months are key to a successful summer. Extracurricular summer activities are more important than ever for college applications
The year has just started, high school students are returning to school and as much as everyone’s longing for warmer weather, most families are not yet thinking about extracurricular summer activities. And that might be a costly mistake. The winter months are the right time for high school students to plan on how they will be spending their summer break and take advantage of that time to gain valuable experiences that will help them create a compelling portfolio for their college applications.
Yes, summer is the time for high school students to get some, hang out with friends, and take some well-deserved vacation but it is also an important time to bolster skills and experiences that will make great additions to their resume and favorable impressions on college admissions advisors.
Here are some tips on what students can do to maximize summer opportunities:
Supplement your classroom learning
It’s common for students to forget what they’ve learned over the course of a long summer break. Select a summer book list to challenge yourself with and consider signing up for an ACT or SAT test prep class or course at a community college in order to keep up a schedule of doing schoolwork. This is a great way to prepare for college entrance exams.
Build off of your high school activities
Hopefully, you’ve gotten involved with a few clubs or sports at your high school. Use the summer to build on those skills. Here are some ideas:
–Improve your athletic or arts skills at a specialized camp.
–Build on an interest in a foreign language with an overseas immersion trip.
–Take a passion you have, such as in interest in pets or working with children, and volunteer at a local organization.
Make a commitment
Whatever activity you pick for the summer, be sure to stick with it during your entire break. College admissions advisors want to see that you are able to make commitments to projects and organizations. Spending time trying out an activity is also a great way to learn new skills and improve on old ones.
Get a job
Narrow your search to see if there is anything out there that relates to your studies and potential college major. A summer job can be a fantastic way to gain work experience, better your resume and earn some much-needed cash.
Find an internship
Gaining internship experience, especially in your preferred field, can be invaluable to you and your future. Internships boost your resume, give you on-the-job experience, and provide prized connections that you can use in your future job search once out of college. Consult your counselor and college websites regularly to find an internship that fits you and your expectations.
Stay in school
The summer can be a fantastic time to take some extra courses. Whether you want to take some classes in your
Sorry, kids! We know we just ruined your summer, but it will be soooo worth it in the end. Trust us!
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