5 Things Students Need To Do This Summer

Summer is here. It’s awesome. And you’ve probably been waiting for it all year long. Summer means sleeping late, hanging out with friends, and not having to write history papers. But summer is also a time to think about college and the next steps of life.

With college admission as competitive as it is, every summer activity counts. In fact, Princeton University historically asks on its application: “How Have You Spent the Last Two Summers?” Colleges want to know how you occupy your time. This gives them insight into who you are and what you prioritize.

Colleges look for students who dedicate themselves to activities and projects as they aim to build a well-rounded incoming freshman class. And even if it’s the summer after your freshman year of high school, it’s never too early to figure out how your plans for the next 10 weeks may impact potential college applications.

Here are the top five activities to consider that will help you standout in the college admission process.

Volunteer
Community service begins in the neighboring blocks or miles around your home. Do not neglect doing good in your immediate vicinity. There are plenty of opportunities for you to help others at churches, rec centers, day camps, and more.

You do not have to travel to Fiji to dig a well to do community service. In fact, an expensive trip abroad may signal “vacation” more than “volunteering.” If you are planning to volunteer abroad, make sure the program has a dedicated service component that is easily understood.

Wherever you go, expect that the experience will change you. It will also confirm your willingness to be a contributing and conscientious (global) citizen. 

Establish and/or clean up your online presence
You are probably already active on social media. Now more than ever, it’s important to use it responsibly. No more inappropriate pictures or language. Instead, create a website with your name and highlight what you do. Upload YouTube videos of you singing, performing in the arts, playing in a game, or simply sharing your vision for the world. Since your online presence is often how people meet you for the first time, make it something you are proud of.

Take classes
Summer classes at a local community college are very different from high school. You should be able to take a class that intrigues you. It may even springboard into your eventual college major. Plus, taking an additional three to six weeks to invest in your long-term education makes you smarter and shows colleges that you are a serious student. It’s also possible to take credit-bearing summer courses that most colleges will accept for credit, which can save you money in the long run.

Get a job
Paid or unpaid jobs (like internships) give you a chance to gain valuable hands-on experience. Many of these jobs can help you to determine what you want or do not want to do later in life. If you work in retail, for example, you might find you do not want to do that later in life. Or if you intern at a startup company, maybe you will be inspired to learn the nuts and bolts of entrepreneurship. No matter what the job is, at this age, you will emerge better for it. And colleges will be impressed with your work ethic.

Visit colleges
No matter if you are a rising sophomore, junior, or senior, you should make a point to spend some time on a college campus this summer. If you have any potential colleges in mind, those should be your priority. But it doesn’t hurt to visit campuses near you either, just to get the experience. Since most college admission offices remain open during the summer, you can pay an informal visit. How will this impress them? Colleges track “demonstrated interest.” When it is time to apply, you will be able to reconnect with an admission officer and build an authentic rapport. If you can confirm your interest in a school, especially from a summer visit, you may shine brighter than the other applicants.

Good luck to all underclassmen on the last day of classes - and later on your exams!! You got this!

We are all so proud of you. Prep for Life!

Your Guidance and College Counseling Team

Clas of 2019! 10 Activities for the 

Summer Before College

You know the drill—“Mom, I’m bored.” Those words will most surely come out of your mouth while you await your first day of college. Unfortunately, you can’t afford to be bored. There is much to do before you begin your new life. Take advantage of the time and you will arrive on campus prepared to face the next four years. YouVisit has 10 tips for you:

1. Get a Summer Job

In just a few short months you will need some serious cash. There are all kinds of fees and expenses that go along with a college experience. If you decide not to work your first semester of college (many freshmen prefer to focus on academics), the money you earn during the summer months will provide you with much-needed cash during those first few months.

2. Read

High school is over, but that doesn’t mean you can lie around for hours glued the television or playing video games. The more you keep your mind exercised and active (especially by reading) the better prepared you will be when you face the regimented reading requirements at college. Freshmen always have more reading than other classes because they are fulfilling the general requirements. If you can get ahold of the reading assignments in advance (you can email your professors), you will be one step ahead when you begin in the fall.

3. Spend Time With Your Family

Yes. Believe it or not you will miss them when you are gone. Those last few months of family time will help you adjust to the homesickness every freshman feels and make you better prepared to go off on your own. It will also help prepare your parents to adjust to having you gone.

4. Have Fun With Your Friends

Most college students will be leaving behind their high school friends. Use the summer to plan some fun activities together: picnics, movie nights, beach bonfires and even concerts. Having a network of friends that you can stay in touch with when you are gone will help with the transition.

5. Discuss Finances With Your Parents

Before you leave, understand your financial responsibilities regarding your education. Will you be paying for incidentals? Will your parents give you an allowance while you are there? Will you be expected to participate in work study to help defray some of the tuition costs?

6. Dot Your i’s and Cross Your t’s

Don’t forget to verify that your college has received all required documents before you arrive on campus. Most colleges require certain immunizations: hepatitis, measles, meningitis, etc. Make sure you have completed all your financial documents as well: student loan applications, tuition payment arrangements, and scholarship information.

7. Contact Your Future roommate

Once you have your roommate assignment, make contact. You can do that on Facebook or by phone or email. Discuss what items you will be bringing and take some time to talk about your living expectations: such as resolving conflicts, organization and cleanliness, and visitor guidelines. Stay in touch over the summer because that person will be your first friend at college.

8. Make a List of Dorm essentials

Remember that you will be living in a shoebox. You can’t bring your entire room with you to college. Only take essential items and don’t overpack clothes, shoes, stuffed animals, and other items that will just take up space. Check out Bed, Bath and Beyond’s website for a good dorm essential list. You will be surprised what you need and what you might have forgotten.

9. Attend Freshman Orientation

All colleges provide orientation opportunities for their incoming freshman class. Don’t skip this event. It will help you assimilate into campus life, give you an opportunity to make friends, and help with any campus-wide programs you need to register for. You will also be able to register for fall classes and be assigned an academic advisor to help you with your degree plan. Many colleges also offer parent orientation as well—urge your parents to attend.

10. Look for Textbook Bargains

Once you have your class schedule and know the required course textbooks, start searching online for bargains. Never pay full price for a textbook if you can help it. There are sites that give you so many other options: renting, buying used, sharing, and even digital ebooks.

Use your summer time wisely and you will enter college prepared to face your first college semester confident and excited to begin this new phase in your life.