Summer Prep for College Bound Students

Start researching schools you’re interested in
If you already have a list of schools generated, that’s great. If not, you should begin working on that immediately. Once you have your list, start asking more specific questions, such as:

• What is the student-to-teacher ratio of the university’s introductory level courses?
• At the end of their freshman year, how many students transfer or drop out?
• What is the quality of the professors (prior work experience, availability to students, etc.)?

For more helpful questions, check out Huffington Post’s article Choosing the Right College.
Once your list is finalized, access the university’s website and find out which days you can visit during the academic year to get an authentic feel for the school’s atmosphere.

Work and/or intern in a field that interests you
This will guide you in your decision-making for college, as well as get you thinking about what you’d like to study. For instance, if you’re interested in journalism, check out your local newspaper for openings or internship opportunities. If you have the time and money for it, school programs are offered in the summer months, such as Columbia University’s Summer Program for High School Students and Engineering Innovation Workshops at John Hopkins University. By immersing yourself in fields that you’re passionate about, you gain new knowledge and hands-on experience, and build yourself a nice resume.

Volunteer
Colleges like candidates who offer up their time to an important cause. Volunteering is a valuable way to spend your time, and it makes you feel good about yourself. You can start by visiting your local animal shelter, Boy’s and Girl’s Club, and/or other non-profit companies in your area. Also, you can access VolunteerMatch to find a nonprofit that needs volunteers and supports your cause.

Read
Summer is the best time for you to read those books you couldn’t get to during the school year. Reading will also help you stay engaged with your mind and keep your language skills sharp for when you return back to school in the fall.

Do something out of your comfort zone
College is a time in your life filled with big changes and new experiences, and with that comes some anxiety. The only way to deal with that anxiety and to grow is to do the things that scare you and challenge you. You could learn a new language, travel and immerse yourself in an entirely different culture, or it could be as simple as creating your own blog or YouTube channel and showcasing your talents there. Schools look for the things that set you apart from other applicants, so it is to your advantage to try something new.

Relax
There is a fine line between preparing yourself for college admissions and spreading yourself too thin. Resume-building is undeniably crucial, especially as more students apply for college and less get in. However, it is just as important that you allow yourself some down-time. The school year is stressful enough for students; you don’t need to spend your summers under pressure, too. I know this is easier said than done, but setting aside an hour or two each day of leisurely activity is essential. Sometimes, work can wait.