Summer is one of the best times that students can focus on activities in a meaningful way without the pressure of school and extracurricular commitments. While it is also a good time to schedule test prep and college visits, students applying to selective colleges use this time to explore and further their academic and other interests to a level that would not be possible during the school year. Selective colleges are looking for students that have shown sustained and committed interest in academic and extracurricular endeavors beyond what is typically offered at schools. Summer is the best time for students to do exactly that and differentiate themselves from other students with similar grades and test scores.
Take academic interests to the next level
All students take biology, American history and geometry at school, but what if your child has an interest in marine biology, archeology, or number theory? Perhaps your child is interested in learning to code in Python, or wants to take debate to the next level. There are several ways to explore subjects and take classes for all interests and on all budgets. 1) Participate in specialized high school and pre-college programs on university campuses; 2) take high-level classes at local community colleges; and 3) take free online courses through sites like Coursera, edX and Khan Academy. The goal here is not to fill up time taking just any classes, but to focus on exploring interests, furthering and going deeper into an area of interest, or gaining specific skills and knowledge that students cannot gain through high school classes. While highly selective summer programs with competitive application processes are impressive on college applications, even non-competitive programs are worthwhile as they round out an applicant’s resume and show strong support for the applicant’s interests and drive. Search Versed’s Opportunity Guide for appropriate programs that align with your child’s interests.
Jobs and Internships
Work experience is one of the best ways to demonstrate maturity, initiative and responsibility. When it also aligns with student’s career interests, it is one of the best ways to spend summers furthering the student’s interests while gaining important skills that colleges are looking for. Internships at companies, non-profit organizations, and research labs are all great opportunities to gain knowledge and experience in a field and gain valuable real life skills. Read “Why work experience matters for high school students.”
Volunteer Opportunities
Community service is a great way to explore and demonstrate strong interest and commitment to a cause or a community. While volunteering in any organization can provide valuable experience, it is important to understand what sets some volunteer experiences apart from others. Rather than doing many one-off volunteer activities, it is important to choose causes and organizations that align with the student’s interests and core values and do it continuously over meaningful time period. This means, rather than volunteering at a hospital or local soup kitchen, a student interested in music may organize concerts at nursing homes or children’s hospital. Students interested in computer science may volunteer to teach underprivileged kids to code. Rather than volunteering for many organizations, this means committing to one organization or cause over multiple years.
Research
Getting involved in original research is one of the best ways to demonstrate interest, initiative, and drive. Research is not just limited to science; research applies to any field including economics, psychology, history, and music. While there are many organized summer programs in research, there is nothing more impressive than students that seek out professors to work with at universities and local colleges based on their areas of interest. Students should research and contact professors directly and speak with high school counselors and alumni that can help them find opportunities. Of course parents are encouraged to help connect their children to anyone they know who could be helpful.
Self-directed projects
Students with interests that don’t easily fit into any programs, internships or volunteer opportunities, can pursue meaningful activities on their own. Budding writers can work on poems and stories that can be submitted to competitions and journals for publishing. Entrepreneurs can start businesses that provide products and services relevant to their school or community. Athletes can organize a group of students to provide free lessons or coach a league for younger kids in the community. Musicians can start a band and perform locally. Students interested in social issues, fashion, or just about anything can start a blog to explore and further that passion. With a bit of creativity, students can create summer opportunities for themselves that can be more valuable than even the best organized programs.
Test prep, college visits, and getting started on applications
Let’s not forget, summer is also a great time to devote to studying for standardized exams, making college visits and starting on college applications (for rising seniors). Plan summers wisely so that students can gain meaningful experiences while also fitting in everything else that is required.
There is no “right activity” or “right path.” Only what is meaningful and worthwhile for a specific student. With a little bit of planning and research, there is no reason that a student cannot find worthwhile activities to engage in in line with her interests, talents and needs.
Interested in learning more about how to help your child structure his summers in middle and high school? Book a free session to learn how Versed Advisors can help.
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For additional information and insights, check out our blog:
Most Prestigious Summer Programs
High School Extracurriculars Simplified
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