Summer is right around the corner for most high schoolers across the United States. While many students might have secured jobs, specialized summer-programs or other concrete plans, others are still trying to figure it out. It is not too late to come up with a plan to use the summer months productively and meaningfully, while leaving time for needed rest and recharge.
Summer is the time to engage in activities that students do not have time for during the school year. Students can pursue academic areas that their school may not offer or offer it at advanced levels. Many students pursue athletic and extracurricular activities at higher intensity with more time available. A significant number of students pursue jobs, internships, and volunteer work. Summer is also great for test prep and taking high school courses to advance to the next level, or to fulfill requirements.
Students should first ask themselves, “What is my primary goal for the summer?” and find the best way to work towards this. Keep in mind that from the college admissions perspective, it doesn’t matter what the student does during the summer, as long as it is in line with the student’s interests, and they are engaging in activities meaningfully – 1) students are gaining knowledge, skills, and experience, 2) students are making an impact on others and the greater community around them positively (including family contributions) and/or 3) students are engaging in personal endeavors meaning to them. Some students find this at a structured pre-college program, while others find this pursuing a personal project at home or working at a summer job to earn money. There is no right or wrong way to spend the summer, if students are engaged and learning.
Summer programs with upcoming deadlines
While most summer programs at colleges have closed, there are still a few places that are accepting applicants. Here is a list of some summer programs still accepting students.
University of Pennsylvania’s Summer Prep Program Session B
The Summer Prep Program is a 12-day residential/in-person program for students between the 9th and 11th grade to take two modules in undergraduate level courses at the University of Pennsylvania. Applications for Session B are currently still open.
Program dates: July 18 - July 30, 2022
Deadline: Jun 1, 2022
Columbia Summer Immersion: New York City, Session 2 and 3
The Summer Immersion is open to high schoolers between 8-12th grade, with a residential option for students aged 16 and above as of the start day of the program.
Program dates: Session 2: July 19–August 5, 2022; Session 3: August 8–August 12, 2022
Deadline: Open
Jobs and Internships
For students interested in jobs/internship positions in a particular field, continue (or get started) with searches. While most summer applications might have been due earlier in March or April, companies are still looking to hire. Start a simple google search or work through platforms such as Glassdoor and Indeed. These search strategies will allow you to see what internship positions in your area of interest are still looking to hire interns. Angel.co has listings of startup positions at small companies. Remember to add filters to narrow your search to find the right fit for you as a high schooler.
That said, given that high school students are competing with college students on these platforms, this will be challenging. Students should consider expanding their goals by ask themselves:
- Am I intent on getting a job in one particular field or can I look at related fields as well?
- Do I want one internship/job or am I willing to work several smaller ones?
- Am I particular about getting paid, or am I open to unpaid options?
Students might be more successful in finding more options when they are open to re-evaluating goals.
Volunteering and Job Shadowing
High schoolers may also look up companies in their area of interest enquire about possible opportunities, whether listed on their website or not. Most places might not be in a position to pay interns, especially at the high school level, so students should keep this in mind while exploring options. Instead, they should ask if companies would be open to options such as job shadowing or volunteering. Especially given that remote options have become increasingly popular post the pandemic, it might be easier for companies to allow for high schoolers to sit in on meetings or provide some assistance. This also means that students do not have to look for options in their immediate neighborhoods and worry about getting to and from a place.
Apart from web searches, network! Students should get in touch with family and friends and ask them if either they or people they know might be looking for interns or volunteers for this summer. Talk to teachers and guidance counselors. Talk to your economics or social studies teachers about getting in touch with local businesses, or town government officials about helping out. Especially now, when looking for established programs might be a challenge, reaching out to personal networks might be more helpful.
Independent projects
If none of the above options speak to students at this point, they can still use the summer to work independently! High schoolers can get creative, and conduct their own projects, ensuring that whatever they undertake aligns with their interests - academics, extracurricular, or career - in some way. Choosing the option of an independent project removes the pressure of application deadlines, and students can use the time leading up to the summer to figure out how to work on something independently. Here are some possible suggestions:
Start a small business
Write a work of fiction
Tutor younger students
Learn a new instrument
Start a local community initiative
Create art and sell your work!
Start a book club
Start a sports team or join one
Take online courses
Students can also use the summer to enroll in online courses. Many online platforms allow students to enroll in independent courses in academic disciplines of their choice. Here is a list of some different platforms that students can consider using:
Created by Stanford University, Coursera is an online course provider that offers certified courses in various disciplines and is eligible to anyone above the age of 13.
Created by MIT and Harvard University, EdEx is an online course provider that offers university level courses across disciplines, many of which are free of charge.
Khan Academy is a non-profit organization aimed at supporting children’s education through online services. Students can watch free lessons across disciplines. Students also turn to Khan Academy for SAT preparation, in particular.
Codecademy is a free online platform that offers programming classes in Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, SQL, C++, HTML, and CSS.
Duolingo is an online platform offering courses in various languages, and covers reading, writing, and speaking lessons.
Skillshare offers online classes in design, illustration, photography, film, animation, fine arts, graphic design, and more. Classes have video lessons, hands-on projects, and an opportunity to collaborate with other Skillshare students.
Musika is a music lesson website that connects students with private music teachers within their area, with both in person and remote possibilities. Rates depend on location, but a typical 60 minute online lesson in New York is $48 - $60.
Check out the following blogs for in-depth listings and descriptions:
Best of Online Learning - University Classes
Best of Online Learning - Language
Best of Online Learning - Coding
Best of Online Learning - Music and Art
Get ahead with college prep
Students can also use this time to get ahead in the college application process and be on top of their work. SAT/ACT preparation, campus tours, and getting started on college essays (for rising seniors) are all great options.
Still unsure? Speak to our advisors
Our advisors are happy to speak with you and your students about summer options. Schedule an introductory session with us here.
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