Using Summer Wisely for College Applications

The Balancing Act of Summer Activities

For students, there is both good news and bad news. The good news is that not every summer needs to be filled with impressive programs or nonstop activities. The bad news is that you can't spend the entire summer just hanging out with friends. When college admission officers read your application, they will ask themselves what you chose to do and why. They will look 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 can offer benefits if you want to take a class in a subject at a higher level that you can't access at your high school. These programs can also help you 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 consistent volunteering with a cause you care about, expanding your reading list beyond your typical favorite genres, or working simple jobs can also be valuable. These activities help you build habits and experiences that apply to many aspects of life.

Generating Ideas for Summer Activities

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

• "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 over 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.

The Value of an Ordinary Summer Job

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

Some of the best college essays stem from these grounded, real-world activities. They become part of your 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 trails 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! You can also take a community college class for credit.

  
  

• Passionate About Community? Volunteer at the library. Find a cause you care about, and connect with groups that share your passion. Organize people to make a difference.

  
  

• Want to Nurture Your Creative Side? Take saxophone lessons. Learn to paint. Challenge yourself to perform in front of others. Cook a new dish for your family each 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 handwritten thank-you letters. Find a pen pal in another country and commit to writing once a week.

  
  

The Importance of Rest and Unstructured Time

It is also important to rest, hang out with friends, and have some unstructured time that you don't get during the school year. Summer is still summer! Balancing work and play is essential for your well-being.

By using your summer wisely, you can create a meaningful experience that not only enriches your life but also strengthens your college applications. Remember, it's not just about what looks good on paper; it's about what resonates with you and helps you grow.