using summer wisely

For students, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that every summer doesn't need to be packed with impressive programs or nonstop activity. The bad news is that it also can't be spent doing nothing but hanging out with your friends. When college admission officers read your application, they will be asking themselves what this student chose to do and why. They will be looking for tangible evidence of who you are and what interests you.

do some activities matter more than others?

Not really. Fancy (and expensive) pre-college programs don't carry much weight with admissions, especially when they are not selective. However, they do offer benefits if you want to take a class in a subject at a higher level that you don't have access to at your high school, want to experience what living on a college campus feels like, or confirm an interest you might want to pursue. Think of them as expensive enrichment, not admission advantages.

But, also valuable is consistent volunteering with a cause you care about, expanding your reading list beyond your typical favorite genres, or working simple jobs that help you build habits and experiences that apply to many aspects of life.

What questions can I ask myself to generate ideas?

Depth or breadth? It's a balancing act. If a student really wants to explore more broadly, summer can be a great time to do just that. However, the strongest summer choices are often ones that deepen an interest. Instead of asking yourself, "What looks good on my application?" ask:

• "What sparks my curiosity? What would I want to learn about if school did not assign it?"

• "What feels meaningful to me? What work or volunteering makes me feel useful?"

• "What would I willingly spend hours doing?"

• "What's my favorite subject, and how can I learn more about it?"

Sustained activity across time conveys a level of commitment to something that matters to you. You can deepen your contribution to a cause or enhance your sustained impact on your community by sticking with something over time.

Don't underestimate an ordinary summer job

Fewer than half of college applicants have worked a job during high school. Those simple summer jobs - lifeguarding, scooping ice cream, bussing tables at a local cafe, or being a camp counselor - tell admissions officers a lot about you. These jobs convey that you know how to show up, work hard, be a part of a team that you didn't choose, and take responsibility. These are valued traits on any college campus!

And some of our favorite college essays stem from these grounded, real-world activities. They become a part of a student's long-term story.

looking for ideas? Check these out:

• Love the great outdoors? Volunteer at a nature preserve or Forest Park. Challenge yourself to hike 25 new hikes over the summer, and share photos and descriptions on a blog.

• Love learning? Tutor kids. Teach something. Take a free class through Coursera and learn about... almost anything! Take a community college class for credit.

• Passionate about community? Volunteer at the library. Find a cause you care about, and find groups that care about it too. Organize people.

• Want to nurture your creative side? Take saxophone lessons. Learn to paint. Slay your shy side and challenge yourself to perform in front of others. Cook a new dish for your family once a week and create a cookbook of your favorites. Assist at arts camps.

• Do you lean toward STEM? Get involved in Citizen Science. Learn how to write code. Volunteer at your local hospital or spend time with people who need memory care.

• Are you a writer at heart? Deepen your writing skills through programs at Literary Arts or Hugo House. Think of ten people who deserve thanks, and write them a handwritten thank-you letter. Find a pen pal in another country and commit to writing once a week.

And yes, it is also important to rest, hang out with friends, and have some unstructured time you don't get during the school year. Summer is still summer!