Summer Time-Make the Most of It

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.