With most high schools going on summer break either this week or next, it is a great time to take advantage of summer vacation by being productive in doing something that will eventually help you out when you start applying to college.
According to a recent article by Cristiana Quinn, she lists a variety of positive ways to make the most out of your summer.
1. Volunteer in Your Community
The majority of competitive universities will want to see you involved in numerous hours of community service. Summer is an excellent time to chalk up some of these hours. First, think about what you would like to do and then contact any organizations in your area and see if you can volunteer. Quinn suggests things such as Save the Bay, the Audubon Society, and the local Boys and Girls Club. It is also a good idea to look into other civic organizations like the Kiwanis Club, the Elks Lodge, and the Rotary Club.
2. Study for the SAT or ACT and Fill out College Applications
Summer is a great time to study for your college entrance exams since you may be taking one or both in September or October. It is a proven fact that the majority of students score higher on these tests when they sign-up and participate in study programs. At Advanced College Solutions, Inc., we offer a variety of programs that can help you prepare for the SAT and ACT. In addition, summer is the time to start on your college applications. Why wait until the fall when school is back in session and you are swamped with schoolwork, activities, and sports? Remember that a top-notch essay for your college application will undergo several revisions before it is perfected, so why not start the essay during the summer?
3. Explore a Possible Career
You may have ideas on what you want to major in at college or what your profession will eventually be, so why not take a test run during the summer? If you want to be a physical therapist, contact a local office and see if you can shadow one of the professionals for a few weeks to see if that is what you really want to do. Or maybe you are looking into being a lawyer. See if you can help out at a law office. Find a couple of fields that you are interested in and check them out. Colleges and universities will definitely look at this positively as they will see your initiative.
4. Fine Tune Your Passion
According to Quinn, a college admission’s officer will say that what differentiates top candidates from the rest of the pack is you showing a real passion. Summer is a fantastic time to fine tune your love for something dear to you. You may find a political cause that drives you or you may get involved in a specific environmental issue that you are passionate about. Think of what really captures you interest and go for it!
Whatever you decide to do, make a good use of your time over the summer as it will definitely pay off! And remember, we offer a wide range of programs that can help prepare you for college, so please feel free to contact us and set up an appointment or visit our events page and attend one of our events!