It’s a common question among high school students as summer vacation approaches: do colleges even pay attention to what I do during my break? The answer is a resounding yes. While your GPA and test scores are crucial, admissions committees are increasingly looking for well-rounded individuals. Your summer activities offer a unique window into your passions, initiative, and character – elements that standardized metrics often miss. Colleges want to see how you spend your time outside of the classroom, and a productive summer can significantly strengthen your college application.
Why Summer Matters to College Admissions
Your summer break isn’t just downtime; it’s prime time for personal and academic growth. Colleges recognize this and value students who use their summers to explore interests, develop skills, and make meaningful contributions. Summer activities demonstrate several key qualities that admissions officers look for:
- Initiative and Motivation: Engaging in summer programs or projects shows you are proactive and driven, not just going through the motions.
- Passion and Curiosity: Summer is your chance to delve deeper into subjects you’re genuinely interested in, showcasing your intellectual curiosity beyond required coursework.
- Commitment and Perseverance: Sustained involvement in a summer activity, whether it’s a job, volunteer work, or a personal project, demonstrates your ability to commit to something and see it through.
- Exploration and Growth: Trying new things during the summer, whether it’s learning a new skill or exploring a potential career path, shows your willingness to step outside your comfort zone and grow.
So, what kind of summer activities impress colleges? It’s not about padding your resume with prestigious-sounding programs; it’s about demonstrating genuine engagement and growth. Here are some impactful ways to spend your summer that colleges will notice:
1. Immerse Yourself in Specialized High School Summer Programs
College campuses nationwide host specialized summer programs designed for high school students. These programs offer a taste of college life and allow you to explore specific academic areas in depth. For example, participating in a coding bootcamp at a university demonstrates a strong interest in technology. Leadership programs, science research camps, or writing workshops all provide focused learning experiences that highlight your dedication to specific fields. These programs often involve competitive application processes themselves, making acceptance a noteworthy achievement for your college application.
2. Get Ahead with College Courses
Many universities offer summer courses specifically for high school students. Taking a college-level course demonstrates your academic readiness and ambition. It’s a chance to experience college rigor firsthand, learn from university professors, and potentially earn college credit. Successfully completing challenging summer courses can significantly impress admissions officers. Look for subjects that align with your interests or intended major to further showcase your focus.
3. Explore Local College and Community College Programs
Don’t overlook opportunities closer to home. Local colleges and community colleges often have summer programs that are more affordable and accessible. These programs can still offer valuable academic experiences, skill development, and exposure to higher education. Taking courses at a community college shows initiative and a proactive approach to learning, regardless of cost barriers.
4. Dive into Research Opportunities
Research experience as a high school student is highly valued by colleges, especially for students interested in STEM fields. Reach out to university professors or local research institutions to inquire about research opportunities. Even assisting in a lab, collecting data, or contributing to a research project demonstrates a serious commitment to academic inquiry and provides invaluable hands-on experience.
5. Unleash Your Creativity with Personal Projects
Summer is the perfect time to pursue self-directed projects that showcase your passions and talents. Start a blog, create a mobile app, write a novel, compose music, or develop a portfolio of artwork. These projects demonstrate initiative, creativity, and self-discipline. Colleges appreciate seeing students who can take the initiative to learn and create independently.
6. Learn Something New with Free Online Courses
Platforms like edX and Coursera offer a vast array of free college-level courses from top universities worldwide. Taking online courses in subjects you’re curious about demonstrates intellectual curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. It’s a low-cost, accessible way to expand your knowledge base and explore new academic areas.
7. Gain Real-World Experience with a Job
Holding a summer job, whether it’s part-time or full-time, demonstrates responsibility, work ethic, and valuable life skills. Colleges recognize that working while balancing other commitments shows maturity and time management abilities. Any job, from retail to food service to office work, can provide valuable experience and skills that are transferable to college and beyond.
8. Become an Entrepreneur
Starting a small business or entrepreneurial venture during the summer showcases initiative, problem-solving skills, and business acumen. Whether it’s offering a service in your neighborhood or selling products online, entrepreneurship demonstrates creativity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to take risks.
9. Make a Difference Through Community Volunteering
Colleges value students who are engaged in their communities and demonstrate a commitment to service. Consistent volunteer work throughout the summer (and ideally beyond) shows compassion, social responsibility, and a desire to make a positive impact. Choose volunteer activities that genuinely resonate with you for a more meaningful experience.
10. Explore Career Paths with Internships
Internships offer structured work experiences in professional settings. While competitive, internships provide invaluable insights into specific industries and career paths. They demonstrate a proactive approach to career exploration and provide opportunities to develop professional skills and network with professionals in your field of interest.
11. Shadow Professionals to Gain Insight
Job shadowing allows you to observe professionals in their workplaces and gain a firsthand understanding of different careers. It’s a less formal commitment than an internship but still provides valuable exposure to various industries and work environments. Reaching out to family friends or local businesses for job shadowing opportunities can be a great way to explore potential career paths.
12. Prepare for Standardized Tests
While not the most exciting summer activity, dedicating time to SAT or ACT test preparation can be a strategic use of your summer. Improving your test scores can open up more college options and scholarship opportunities. Summer provides focused time for studying without the pressures of the school year.
13. Embark on College Visits
Summer is an ideal time to visit college campuses. Experiencing different college environments firsthand can help you narrow down your college list and demonstrate genuine interest to the colleges you visit. Campus tours and information sessions provide valuable insights into campus life, academics, and culture.
14. Think Outside the Box – Create Unique Experiences
Don’t be afraid to think creatively about your summer activities. Organize a community cleanup project, participate in an art installation, learn a new language through immersion, or embark on an adventurous backpacking trip. Unique and impactful experiences that demonstrate your passions and resourcefulness can make your application stand out.
Make Your Summer Count
Ultimately, colleges do care about what you do during the summer. It’s not just about filling your time, but about demonstrating who you are, what you care about, and what you’re capable of achieving. A well-planned and productive summer can be a significant asset to your college application, showcasing your initiative, passion, and commitment beyond your academic record. So, make the most of your summer break – it’s an opportunity to grow, explore, and impress colleges in the process.
