Will your summer plans help your college application?
Did you know that the things you do this summer could make a big difference in the quality of your college application?
It’s true! Make the right moves now and you’ll have a leg up over your competition when the college admissions process begins—not to mention some great experiences to talk about when school starts again in the fall.
Want an impressive college application? Participate in a pre-college summer program.
Whether you’re interested in art or computer science, theater or engineering, there’s sure to be a pre-college summer program that’s right for you. Ranging in length from one to six weeks, these programs are designed to immerse you in a specific field of study, giving you the opportunity to really explore a topic that interests you. Enrolling in a pre-college program can be a great way to explore a potential college major!
Another plus? In addition to looking good on your college application, Many of these programs can earn you college credit!
College applications look great when you volunteer.
Many top colleges like to see community involvement on your college application. And you know what? Summer is the perfect time to volunteer! To get started, think about what you’re passionate about—animals? Healthcare? Global warming?
Once you’ve identified what kind of volunteer opportunity you want to pursue, do some research to find local organizations dedicated to your area of interest. Sometimes it’s obvious. If you want to be a doctor, getting involved with the local hospital makes sense. If you love animals, your local Humane Society is a good place to start your search.
But if you need help finding the right opportunity, you might try looking online. Check out the Google Directory page dedicated to teen volunteering opportunities—there’s bound to be something that interests you!
Make your college application stand out with an internship.
Think internships are just for college students? Think again! For motivated high school students like you, a completed internship can be a great way to stand out in a crowded pool of college applications.
So think about what you’d like to major in, then research local companies that work in those industries. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with them! You might be surprised at how receptive corporations can be to high school students.
You can also use the internet to find listings of internships currently available. The College Board has lots of great information, as well as links to internship directories.
Put your summer to good use with activities like these and you’ll be well on your way to breezing through the college application process—and attending the college of your dreams!
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Photo courtesy of Kara Allyson.
Related posts:
- Institution-Offered Precollege Summer Programs to Spice up Your Summer
- Are Extracurricular Activities Worth It?
- Another Summer of Boredom? Think Pre-College Summer Programs!
- Your College Application Timeline: What To Do This Month.
- Pondering a PreCollege Summer Program? Get the Facts
Tags: college admission, college admissions, college application
Summer IS the perfect time to volunteer. It doesn’t need to be a huge time commitment – but a couple of hours a week can make a big difference, to the community and in terms of the college application.
Thanks for this great post. CNN had a similar article today with more summer program tips:
http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/blog/family-finance/summer-programs-sure-to-impress-colleges/4573/
That’s a great article. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Exactly. There’s plenty of time to have some fun during the summer months and do good at the same time!
Volunteering is definitely important. For pre-med students, shadow a physician or volunteer at a hospital. It doesn’t hurt to start early.
That’s a great idea! And you’re right – the more experience you have, the better!