One of the questions colleges may ask on the application is “What do you do in your spare time?” or “What have you done your last two summers?” They are looking to see if the student has productive summers. Most college-bound students do not have a lot of spare time during the year, but summer affords them the time to choose something to do to enhance their college application. Let’s take a look at some options, and you can be sure that lying around working on the suntan is not one of them!
The most obvious is to take a summer class. The high schools typically offer summer classes for their students. But another option might be to take a community college class. After a two year hiatus, COS brought back its summer program in 2013. Check out http://collegelists.pbworks.com/w/page/16119590/Summer%20Programs%20-%20General for some other ideas that promote academic enrichment. But besides a summer course, students can show their intellectual side by reading, writing a book or play, or doing their own research project. Learning a new skill can also show initiative!
Community service is looked upon favorably by the colleges. Many students do mission trips during the summer, but it is good to remember that students want to set themselves apart from other students, so doing something “original” might be beneficial as well. How about volunteering at a summer camp? Love animals? How about volunteering at the SPCA? It is also a good idea to try to deepen their involvement in something they already do. For example, a student who rides horses could volunteer at Happy Trails Riding Academy in Tulare. Or if they enjoy building things, a summer helping Habitat for Humanity could help them develop those skills. Be creative! They should think of things they can do for others in the community that will also improve their own experience in a field they are interested in.
Some students may want/need to work in the summer. Students may want to find a job in an area of personal interest. For example, if they love to swim, they might try to become a lifeguard or teach swimming lessons. Working in a sandwich shop or ice cream store gives the student on-the-job training and they can learn responsibility, leadership, and how to be a good employee through this summer job.
For entrepreneurs, students can start a small business of their own. Maybe they can develop a website or babysit. Many students are interested in photography or video production. Students with special skills can teach music or dance. Think “out-of-the-box”. There are many valuable skills that can be learned through entrepreneurship.
For students who have an idea about where they would like to go to college, summer is also a great time to make college visits. Although visiting colleges can be expensive, an early visit may save you a lot of money in the long run, if the right college is selected. A college visit can help a lot in the selection process. There is something about “the real thing”. If visits are not possible, then virtual tours are available.
Summer is a great time to become more familiar with a specific career. Try to spend time, either paid or unpaid, in a place of interest. Want to become an attorney? See if you can shadow or volunteer in an attorney’s office. Interested in medicine? Can you get a job or volunteer in a hospital? Are you interested in math or engineering? See if you can find a summer engineering institute to attend. Google it!
There are many things you can do in the summer to enhance your application and develop your skills. How you choose to spend your time can definitely have an impact on admission to the college of your choice. Have a plan! And be sure that when the college admissions officer says, “I know what you did last summer”, that it is everything they hoped you would do!
