Hopefully, you’ve had a chance to rest up and recover from a busy Spring semester. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to switch gears and include a bit more fun in your days! But because Fall semester will arrive before you know it, you might want to use some of your spare time this summer to get a jump start on various tasks and deadlines. That way, you won’t feel so rushed this autumn. Here are five ingredients for a productive summer, that you should consider working into your schedule.
Visit a few schools. If you’re a rising high school senior (or even junior), now is the time to begin narrowing your college choices. The best way to get a feel for a university is by visiting, and summer happens to be the best time for road trips! Use some of your time this summer to visit your top choice schools. Aim to spend a day or two in town, and walking around the campus.
Research scholarships. You aren’t limited to the financial aid options offered by the state and federal government. Thousands of private scholarships exist, so start researching and applying. Many require an essay or another submission that might require a bit of time to put together, making summer the perfect time to get started.
Get plenty of sleep. More importantly, keep your sleep habits on schedule. Yes, it’s tempting to stay up all night playing Fallout and then sleep all day, but when the first day of school rolls around you’ll wish you hadn’t!
Analyze your supplies. Go through last years binders, notebooks, and other supplies to see if anything is salvageable. You can save a bit of money when it’s time to shop for supplies.
Try something new. Sign up for a new activity, take a spontaneous trip, make a new friend, volunteer with a charity, or otherwise try something that is new and out of your regular routine (and of course, safe and legal). These experiences are what being young are all about! And as a bonus, your summer experience might give you something interesting to share in those scholarship essays or college entrance interviews.