While summer is a time to relax and unwind, it is also an ideal time to engage in activities that enhance personal growth, build skills, and help prepare you for college. Here are a few ideas of easy yet powerful things to do in the next few weeks before school begins.
All grade levels:
~ Start a passion project – What project, cause, issue, topic, skill, or idea grabs your interest or curiosity? What would you do if money were not a factor? It can be something you create, research, or do for yourself and/or others. It may even develop into the central theme of your college application essay. [Note: College admissions folk LOVE passion projects. They help you to stand out from the crowd!]
Seniors:
~ Check out the college application essay questions and start writing the personal essays that are a critical part of your application. Knock it out this summer so you won’t be stressed about it in the fall.
~ Narrow down your college choices and plan in-person or virtual visits to your top ones.
Juniors:
~ If you plan to take the SAT or ACT, schedule a test prep class for the early fall.
~ Start thinking about which colleges you might want to attend. Collegeboard allows you to search, research and create a list of colleges that match your academic profile and interests for free.
Sophomores:
~ Review your resume. Think about what you’d like to tweak, change or add this coming year in terms of activities, projects, types of courses. Look for leadership opportunities.
~ Explore the possibilities of dual enrollment classes. You’ll generally take these starting junior year but you have to apply in your sophomore year.
Freshmen:
~ Identify your interests and what you want to emphasize throughout your high school journey. Extracurriculars are important, but lots of unconnected clubs and activities don’t present you well. Instead focus on those few that inspire you. Take the initiative and plan a path to leadership. That’s what colleges and career managers look for.
~ If you have summer reading for any of your courses, do it! Start strong this year and you’ll be on the clear path to success.
It’s definitely not too late to use the summer to engage in activities that connect your interests and goals. By doing so, you can enhance your college application, develop essential skills, and gain valuable experiences.
All grade levels:
~ Start a passion project – What project, cause, issue, topic, skill, or idea grabs your interest or curiosity? What would you do if money were not a factor? It can be something you create, research, or do for yourself and/or others. It may even develop into the central theme of your college application essay. [Note: College admissions folk LOVE passion projects. They help you to stand out from the crowd!]
Seniors:
~ Check out the college application essay questions and start writing the personal essays that are a critical part of your application. Knock it out this summer so you won’t be stressed about it in the fall.
~ Narrow down your college choices and plan in-person or virtual visits to your top ones.
Juniors:
~ If you plan to take the SAT or ACT, schedule a test prep class for the early fall.
~ Start thinking about which colleges you might want to attend. Collegeboard allows you to search, research and create a list of colleges that match your academic profile and interests for free.
Sophomores:
~ Review your resume. Think about what you’d like to tweak, change or add this coming year in terms of activities, projects, types of courses. Look for leadership opportunities.
~ Explore the possibilities of dual enrollment classes. You’ll generally take these starting junior year but you have to apply in your sophomore year.
Freshmen:
~ Identify your interests and what you want to emphasize throughout your high school journey. Extracurriculars are important, but lots of unconnected clubs and activities don’t present you well. Instead focus on those few that inspire you. Take the initiative and plan a path to leadership. That’s what colleges and career managers look for.
~ If you have summer reading for any of your courses, do it! Start strong this year and you’ll be on the clear path to success.
It’s definitely not too late to use the summer to engage in activities that connect your interests and goals. By doing so, you can enhance your college application, develop essential skills, and gain valuable experiences.