Summer Plans: Recommendations for Rising Seniors

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Making the most of your summer before senior year can be a great way to enhance your college application and reduce stress in the fall. Here are some tips to help you maximize your time:

  1. Pursue meaningful activities: Engage in activities that align with your interests and demonstrate your commitment and dedication. This could include volunteering for a cause you care about, interning or shadowing professionals in your field of interest, participating in research projects, attending summer camps or workshops, or taking relevant online courses. Choose activities that showcase your passion and help you develop new skills. These experiences will provide excellent source material for supplemental essays.

  2. Take on leadership roles: Colleges value students who take initiative and demonstrate leadership qualities. Look for opportunities to lead within your existing extracurricular activities, such as becoming a sports team captain, organizing events, or taking charge of a club or organization. If you can't find leadership roles within your current activities, consider starting your own project or initiative. 

  3. Pursue academic enrichment: Use the summer to deepen your knowledge in areas of interest. Consider taking advanced courses, participating in academic competitions, or attending summer programs at colleges or universities. These activities demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and dedication to learning.

  4. Prepare for standardized tests: If you still need to take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT or want to improve your scores, summer can be a great time to focus on test preparation. Dedicate time to study using online resources, practice tests, or enroll in a test preparation course if necessary. Higher scores can positively impact your college application and increase the chances you will recieve merit aid and other scholarships.

  5. Explore your career interests: Use the summer to gain insights into potential career paths. Seek out job shadowing opportunities, informational interviews, or part-time jobs in fields that interest you. This experience will not only help you understand your career goals better but also demonstrate your motivation and initiative.

  6. Read and engage in self-learning: Dedicate time to read books, articles, or blogs related to your intended field of study or areas of interest. Engaging in self-learning showcases your intellectual curiosity and can provide valuable insights for college essays and interviews.

  7. Start working on your college essays: Many colleges require personal essays as part of the application process. Use your summer to brainstorm ideas, outline your essays, and even start writing drafts. Getting a head start on your essays will give you ample time to revise and perfect them.

  8. Stay physically active and prioritize self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial. Engage in regular exercise, practice mindfulness, and make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. Demonstrating a balanced lifestyle and self-care habits can positively impact your college application.

Remember, it's important to pursue activities that genuinely interest you and align with your goals and values, not just what you think will look good to colleges. Quality is more important than quantity, so focus on a few meaningful experiences rather than trying to do everything. Finally, make sure to enjoy your summer and find a healthy balance between productivity and relaxation!