8 Free Summer Activities That Can Set Your Teen Apart at UT Austin

When it comes to UT Austin admissions, many parents assume that getting in requires expensive summer programs or flashy résumé boosters. But the truth is this: free, strategic summer activities—when aligned with your teen’s academic interests—can be just as powerful.



UT’s admissions process doesn’t reward perfection or prestige. It rewards purpose. And for students outside the top 5% of their class, showing fit to major—through summer experiences, courses, and personal projects—can be the difference-maker.

So if you’re looking for ways to help your teen stand out this summer without breaking the bank, here are eight powerful and completely free options that admissions officers will notice.


1. Start a Personal Project Aligned With Their Major

UT Austin loves students who show initiative. One of the best ways to demonstrate that is by launching a self-directed project tied to a student’s intended major.


  • Business major? Build a budget for a hypothetical business and track it in Google Sheets.
  • Computer science major? Start coding a basic app or website—plenty of free resources on Khan Academy or FreeCodeCamp.
  • Public health major? Research a health issue in your community and write a short blog or create an awareness campaign.


It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to show curiosity, action, and learning.


2. Shadow a Professional in Their Field of Interest

Summer is a great time to reach out to family friends, neighbors, or local businesses and ask: “Can my teen shadow you for a few days?”


UT values students who explore careers related to their major. A few hours spent observing a nurse, engineer, journalist, or entrepreneur can spark insight—and lead to a meaningful story in an essay or résumé.


  • Tip: Even one day of shadowing can lead to an essay about what your teen learned and how it shaped their interest in the field.


3. Start a Themed Journal or Blog

UT Austin places serious weight on writing—especially essays that connect personal experience to academic direction. One way to prepare is by writing weekly reflections on what your teen is reading, learning, or experiencing in their intended field.


  • English or Journalism majors could start a Substack or Medium blog.
  • Biology or Engineering students might write weekly reflections on interesting research or TED Talks they watched.
  • Government or Social Work majors could reflect on current events and community issues.


These reflections don’t need an audience—just consistent thoughtfulness.


4. Organize a Community or Family Project

Leadership doesn’t require a title. And for UT, impact and initiative matter far more than awards.


  • Create a neighborhood recycling challenge.
  • Organize a book exchange, food drive, or tutoring group.
  • Plan a community art show, performance, or exhibition.


These kinds of projects show that your teen doesn’t just participate—they lead, solve problems, and care about their community. That’s exactly the kind of contribution UT is looking for.





5. Complete a Free Online Course

Sites like edX, Coursera, and Harvard Online offer dozens of free, self-paced courses in everything from computer science to creative writing.


  • Look for a course that relates directly to your teen’s intended UT major.
  • At the end, include the course (and a short project summary, if applicable) on their expanded résumé.


Online learning shows initiative—and major alignment.


6. Volunteer Locally (and Track the Impact)

Free doesn’t mean low-value. UT admissions officers value long-term, meaningful service far more than a one-time event.


  • Help a local nonprofit with admin or communications support.
  • Translate materials for a community center or place of worship.
  • Offer to teach basic computer skills to older adults or support younger students in summer learning.


The key is to track impact: how many people were helped? What changed because your teen got involved?


7. Create a Digital Portfolio

For students interested in design, visual arts, architecture, or even writing—a portfolio tells a powerful story.


  • Use free tools like Google Drive, Canva, or Wix to organize and present work.
  • Include captions explaining the thought process or skills learned.


This not only prepares your student for UT’s application, but also shows follow-through and creativity.


8. Conduct an Independent Research Project

Has your teen ever had a question they couldn’t stop thinking about?


Turn that curiosity into a research project—complete with sources, reflection, and a final deliverable like a slideshow, paper, or video.


  • A future economics major might research trends in housing costs in their city.
  • A biology student could compare the environmental impact of local water systems.
  • An education major might explore how different countries handle school discipline.


Research projects show academic drive and maturity—and they stand out in essays and interviews.