A word of caution here: we prefer programs that are actually run by the college instead of a third-party provider. It's important to be a careful consumer, so be sure to ask about who will be teaching the program. If a student is aiming for highly selective colleges, the summer program should be a selective program. It’s also important to note that attending a summer program on a college campus does not typically give you a leg up on admission to that school. 

Take it up a notch: These programs can be helpful when they truly reflect students’ interests, whether academic or otherwise. For example, if a student wants to be a doctor, a science-based summer program can help that student learn more about what it’s like to study and practice medicine. Such programs can help show colleges that a student takes a career path seriously and that they're genuinely interested in learning more about it. For students entering 12th grade, we encourage them to think about how they can create their own summer program to show even greater initiative.

2. SUMMER JOBS

Many high school students work over the summer, and having a job is a great way to get work experience to include on their resume and college applications. Most summer jobs for high school students are part-time, but some are full-time, especially if your student has already worked at that place before. Common summer jobs include being a lifeguard, cashier, golf caddy, stocker, babysitter, or camp counselor, but students shouldn't feel limited to those traditional roles if there's something else that motivates them.

Take it up a notch: Like any other activity, a summer job can impress colleges when a student works at the same place over a longer timeframe and increases their responsibilities. A summer job that relates to a subject the student wants to study in college or pursue a career in often communicates to a college what the student’s interests are and their level of commitment to them. It can also provide wonderful fodder for students to demonstrate their knowledge of a particular field or industry in their college essays.

3. SUMMER INTERNSHIPS 

A summer internship involves working part-time or full-time for a company or organization and is often closely related to a student’s career interests. Internships allow students to gain work experience, as well as learn more about careers they may be interested in. They can involve a variety of tasks, typically consistent with some of the responsibilities of an entry-level position in that field. Summer internships are not typically the entire summer, and a high school student may not always be paid for an internship.

Take it up a notch: When students work in summer internships that relate to a future career area or academic major, colleges often interpret that as real interest in a field. In the admissions process, schools are looking for students who are passionate about something and who are willing to go the extra mile to engage in a field of interest. 

4. SUMMER CLASSES

Taking classes may not be the most fun way for a student to spend their summer, but classes can sometimes help students stay on track as they prepare for college. Some students take summer classes to improve their grades in a class they didn’t do well in the first time, while others take a class they wouldn’t have time for during the school year. Increasingly, students are taking summer classes as a way to take college-level courses for credit or advanced high school classes to further explore interests. 

For example, if your student is interested in aerospace engineering, but their high school doesn’t offer an exploratory engineering course, a summer program offering specialized coursework could fit the bill. Students can take summer classes in a variety of ways, either through their high school, at a community college, through an academic program at universities, or even online. 

The possibilities for online courses are nearly endless. Have your student explore classes through Coursera, edX, Udemy, and other online course providers. Your teen could focus on a new skill or topic or deepen an existing interest. Be sure to consider if a self-paced course versus live is best for your student.

Take it up a notch: College classes on a student’s transcript can indicate to schools that a student is able to handle the rigor and workload of college. This is an especially good option if a student’s high school doesn’t offer many advanced classes or if a student wants to strengthen their overall transcript. Keep in mind: not all credits are transferable, and we suggest looking into this before enrolling or registering. This is also a wonderful time for students to explore courses in their interest area; as an example, students can take real estate classes and sit for the real estate exam or CAD classes for architecture.

5. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS 

For students hoping to attend highly selective colleges, independent research can be a fantastic avenue to delve into their academic area of interest. From developing an app to help students stay more organized to working on writing a play or designing a robot, digging deeper into an established interest is a great way to spend part of a summer break. To be able to demonstrate this time as meaningful (and to help students stay on task), students should create a goal for themselves of what the output or accomplishment should be. Students should also keep track of how many hours per week and weeks per summer they spend on this activity.

Take it up a notch: A student can work with a teacher or advisor to create an independent project that can count as a course credit, or they might reach out to a college professor to assist with college-level research. If a student creates an app or an online video, being able to tout high usage numbers, high revenue, or a huge number of followers can be impressive. Creative projects with less measurable metrics can be submitted for contests or publication, if appropriate.

6. VOLUNTEERING 

There are many places where a student can volunteer, including schools, non-profit organizations, museums, and more. Most volunteer work is done where the student lives, but there are also opportunities to do volunteer work abroad during the summer. While volunteering is all about helping others, it’s possible to choose volunteer work that relates to a student’s college or career interests. Volunteering is also a wonderful way to learn leadership skills and gain a better understanding of the larger world. VolunteerMatch.org, GenerationServe.org, and DoSomething.org are good resources for students to explore volunteer opportunities both in person and through online partnerships.

Take it up a notch: Just completing a few hours of volunteer work won't have as much impact as making a longer-term commitment to one organization. Working in a field of interest over a long period of time gives students the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization. Hopefully, over time, a student’s commitment will lead to greater responsibility and possible leadership positions.

7. TRAVEL 

Travel can expand a student’s horizons while also allowing them to experience other cultures. There are programs offered in areas of service, adventure, skill training, and academics. Students can also consider working while they travel abroad or visiting multiple countries. We recommend seeking out immersive programs that are at least six weeks long, or better yet, the entire summer.

Some travel programs offer virtual options, but students can also explore cultures from home on their own. They might pick a country and conduct a self-study: read articles, consume local media, study the language, create meals from traditional foods, watch culturally accurate movies, and read a book written by a local author. Along the way, they can document the process of growth and learning.

Take it up a notch: Colleges value the cultural insights gained and independent skills learned when a high school student travels during the summer. Travel abroad programs are often a good way to perfect a second or third language. Whether in-person or virtual, documenting the experience on a travel blog or personal website is a great way to be able to share the experience—with family, friends, and colleges.