Making Your Summers Shine: A High Schooler's Guide to Standing Out in College Admissions
Unique Experiences Matter: Engaging in diverse and productive activities each summer not only enriches your personal development but also makes your college application stand out.
Plan Strategically: By following a structured plan each summer, from freshman to senior year, you can build a distinctive profile that showcases your drive, curiosity, and commitment to going beyond the minimum requirements.
The “Do Something” Mantra
I've long been a champion of the "do something" summer mantra (see my Summer Tips & Tricks blog post) for students looking to stand out in the college admissions space race. And guess what? My college admission counselor friends are all on board, too. As admission readers and reviewers, they want to see what you did during your summers to enrich your high school and college experiences. As I often say, colleges want you to make time to enjoy your summer but also make time to make the most out of your summer- no college wants someone who just sits on their device all day.
Do Something?
But what does "do something" actually mean? What should you be doing during those long, lazy summer months to gain the experiences that colleges want to see on your application? No one really talks about that. Until now. I’m here to break down exactly what you should be doing each summer of high school to make your college application shine.
But first, why is it even important that you do something over the summer?
You might think summer is all about lounging by the pool and binge-watching the latest shows, but here's the deal: doing something productive each summer is your secret weapon. Colleges are on the lookout for individuals with unique stories and diverse experiences. Whether it's learning to code, volunteering, or mastering an unusual skill like underwater basket weaving, you’re giving yourself an edge over the competition. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about showing you’ve got drive, curiosity, and the guts to do more than the bare minimum. Plus, these experiences not only enrich your personal and professional development but also provide compelling material for college essays and conversation starters in interviews. By investing time in meaningful summer activities, you can build a distinctive profile that captures the attention of college admissions officers.
So, here it is, the ultimate breakdown of what you can and should do during your summers to show colleges why they want to accept you.
Summer Before 9th Grade
Explore Interests: Look at the clubs and organizations your high school offers to discover what you're interested in or passionate about. This makes it much easier to join those clubs come fall.
Volunteer: Start community service hours now to build a record of volunteer work. Colleges love this!
Attend Summer Camps: Look for camps related to academic interests or hobbies.
Summer Before 10th Grade
PSAT Preparation: Begin studying for the PSAT/NMSQT. The more prepared you are, the better you'll do.
Part-Time Job: Depending on your age, you might be able to start working this summer. Work experience develops responsibility and skills that colleges appreciate.
Research Colleges: Start making a list of potential colleges. Check out their websites, review their majors, and review admission requirements.
Extracurricular Activities: Get involved in leadership roles within clubs or organizations. You don’t have to jump into a role running the club as president, but you could be a social media coordinator or librarian for your club.
Shadow Professionals: Spend a day or more with someone in a career you're interested in. This experience often makes great material for college essays.
Visit Local Colleges: Begin exploring different types of colleges nearby. You can do an official visit or just walk around the campus with your parents.
Keep volunteering and exploring your interests.
Summer Before 11th Grade
SAT/ACT Preparation: Enroll in prep courses or study independently for standardized tests. Prepping now means less stress later.
College Visits: Visit a variety of campuses to get a feel for different environments.
Intern or Research: Seek internship or research opportunities related to your intended major. This could be with a teacher, a professor at a local college, or a local business.
Scholarship Search: Research and apply for scholarships early. Many scholarships are available before senior year and typically have fewer applicants.
Skill Development: Participate in cultural or language immersion programs abroad, pre-college summer programs, or leadership development programs.
Keep volunteering, exploring your interests, and researching and visiting colleges.
Summer Before 12th Grade
College Visits: Visit as many schools as you can to narrow down your college list.
Finalize College List: Ensure your list includes reach, target, and at least one safety school you’d be happy attending.
Start Writing Essays: Begin drafting college application essays and personal statements. The more work you do now, the easier your senior year will be.
Continue Other Activities: Maintain or increase community service activities, continue college visits, participate in internships or other enrichment activities, and keep searching and applying for scholarships.
Keep volunteering, exploring your interests, researching and visiting colleges, interning or conducting research, applying for scholarships, and developing your skills.
If you would like a free PDF download of this list, check that out over here.
By following this guide, you'll not only make your summers productive but also ensure that you're building a strong and unique profile that will make college admissions officers sit up and take notice. So, step away from the TV, and start crafting your impressive summer story!
If you're looking for more info, head over to my website, Higher & Hire. And if you need help, just drop me a message here.
Many Thanks!
Valerie Palmer
