The summer has been here for a few weeks now and the activities are plentiful. From enjoying the beach and pool to getting involved in sports and extracurricular activities to seeing movies and live productions, there is really a lot to do.
From a college planning standpoint, the summer is a time to have fun, but at the same time, you have to think strategically about the choices you make and how those choices will impact your college admissions decisions. For example, many college admissions officers ask simple questions such as, “How did you spend your last two summers” or, “What did you enjoy reading during the summer?” The summer is your opportunity to be engaged with the world, build upon your passions and interests, and be of service to your community.
Here are three key areas that you should be developing during the summer to help you have an effective college planning game plan:
1. Academic Enrichment Opportunities
Remember, colleges are academic institutions so their admissions decisions are largely based on your academic success. What better way to show your passion for learning then to use part of your summer for academic enrichment opportunities. These can include taking a summer school class, enrolling in a workshop or seminar, or pursuing a discovery camp opportunity. There is still a lot you can do during the summer to pursue academic enrichment opportunities.
2. Build Upon Your Passions & Interests
The summer is your opportunity to build upon the areas you are passionate about. For example, if you enjoy the medical field, you can volunteer at a hospital or doctor’s office; or if you enjoy the business world, you can get an internship or paid job. Building upon your passions and interests shows admissions officers your dedication and commitment to your major and career area.
3. Be of Service to Your Community
Being of service to your community shouldn’t just be a strategic move to help you with college admissions; you should give back to your community simply because of the positive difference you will make in people’s lives. Pursue those volunteer opportunities that you are passionate about. Some example are taking care of the environment, helping out at a homeless shelter, or tutoring children. Serving your community can be a great way to make a difference in the world and also a way to add richness to your college applications.
As we move into the second half of summer, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved and build upon your college admissions game plan. Follow the road map for summer college admissions success and maximize the opportunities available to you which include the following: 1. Pursue academic enrichment opportunities, 2. Build upon your passions & interests, and 3. Be of service to your community.
Dr. Jeff Haig of Irvine, founder of Strategic College Consulting, is a college planning expert. He helps schools, families and organizations through the college admissions and financial planning process.
Photo by ‘raghavvidya’ on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
