Summer break is here for many
students and you want to make the most of it. Keep preparing for your
future. You can do it over the summer-when and how you want with no time
restraints. But just make sure you are doing something to show you are
growing and always learning.
Colleges want students to make the
most of their spare time--summer time. A productive summer can help you better
explore your interests and strengthen you as a person. Spending your
summer wisely is an important college prep strategy and can go a long way
toward helping you achieve your college admission goals.
Here are some simple activities
that will help you continue learning and lend to your college prep over the
summer!
Outside Reading
We can’t stress the importance
of this enough. For many students, outside reading is the first step to
exploring an interest and becoming an expert in a certain topic. Reading books,
blogs, magazines, and other interest-specific publications can help
students determine what you are passionate about and how to be proficient
in a field. You want a way to set yourself apart in
the college admissions process, and outside reading can help you develop one. A
question that is asked during an interview process is...what is the most recent
book you have read that was not a required reading.
Summer Courses
Another way to continue learning,
is to take a college course or two at local community college or
university. Not only can this help you gain college credit while in high school
– a great way to help cut college costs – it also keeps you engaged.
Test Prep
Using your free time to take
practice tests, work on areas of weakness, or meet with a tutor can help you
reach your goal score! Preparing for the ACT over the summer can
also help you fight summer brain drain, as you will be reviewing concepts that
you may have learned during the school year – keeping the information and
strategies fresh for the fall.
Work on College Application Essays
For rising high school seniors the
summer is the perfect time to start on your essay writing. This
helps students set up for a smooth senior year since the bulk of
their applications will be completed before the fall. Again, you don’t want to
spend your whole summer on just essay application but it can give you a great
jumpstart.
Volunteer
You have time now to give back to
your community. Find organizations that can use your skills and get
involved. You will benefit and so will they. Colleges love students who
give freely of themselves.
