Summer is a powerful time for high school students to grow in ways that stand out to college admissions. Students who use this season to deepen their interests—whether through internships, community work, or self-led projects—gain experiences that not only shape their paths but also make their applications more compelling. Admissions teams value students who demonstrate commitment, curiosity, and growth outside the classroom, especially during breaks. By engaging in impactful summer activities, students can strengthen their academic profile, develop new skills, and stand out from peers with similar test scores and GPAs, showcasing their commitment to growth and self-improvement. Whether focused on STEM, humanities, or sports, students can use summer to enhance their strengths and create lasting impact—a step that can be invaluable as they look toward their college goals.
Summer Planning for High School Students to Boost Their College Profiles
Make the Most of Summer Enhancing STEM Skills and Interests
Summer provides a unique chance for students to gain hands-on STEM experience beyond traditional classroom learning.
Programs such as internships, research projects, STEM camps, and online courses allow students to develop practical skills while sparking a genuine interest in these fields. Afterschool and summer programs across the United States also offer engaging, interactive STEM opportunities that not only spark excitement but also help students develop real-life skills and proficiencies. Research highlights the significant impact of these programs, with studies showing that high-quality, hands-on STEM programs can increase interest in STEM fields, improve attitudes toward STEM careers, and enhance students' knowledge and skills. By participating in such program, students not only cultivate a genuine passion for STEM but also build a strong foundation for future academic success and professional opportunities.
Creative Summer Opportunities for Humanities Students to Boost Academic Profile
For students passionate about the humanities, summer presents a valuable opportunity to engage deeply with their interests and gain experiences that will enrich their academic profiles. Creative writing competitions, for example, offer a chance to develop writing skills and gain recognition, while internships with museums or historical societies provide hands-on experience in research, curation, and archiving. For those interested in social or political sciences, volunteering with non-profits focused on social justice or advocacy allows students to apply their classroom learning to real-world issues. These types of summer activities not only enhance a student’s knowledge but also demonstrate initiative, commitment, and a passion for personal growth—qualities that will stand out in the college admissions process.
Summer Strategies for Student-Athletes to Gain a Competitive Edge
For student-athletes, summer presents a critical opportunity to advance both athletic abilities and college prospects.
The summer recruiting season can be a game-changer, with college coaches actively scouting talent at camps, clinics, and showcases. These events are perfect opportunities for students to refine their skills, get noticed, and receive valuable feedback from experienced coaches. It’s also a time to research and visit schools, communicate with potential coaches, and ensure academic eligibility for college sports. Beyond training, volunteering as a mentor or coach can help develop leadership and teamwork skills—traits that enhance both athletic and personal growth. Additionally, summer provides a chance for student-athletes to pursue other hobbies or passions outside of their sport, demonstrating their versatility and showing colleges that they bring more to the table than just athletic ability. Whether it's through music, community service, or other creative pursuits, engaging in diverse activities can strengthen their college application and highlight their well-roundedness as candidates.
No matter what path a student chooses to pursue, the summer breaks offer a rare chance to explore, grow, and invest in themselves. It’s a time for students to step outside the confines of their typical school routine and engage in meaningful activities that align with their passions and future goals. Whether through hands-on experience, skill-building opportunities, or personal projects, students should take ownership of their learning and demonstrate initiative and drive. By using summer strategically, this not only enhances their academic and extracurricular profiles but also set themselves up for success in college and beyond. Ultimately, it’s the intentional and thoughtful use of summer that can make all the difference in shaping a student’s future.
Start planning your high school summers now! Whether you're focused on STEM, humanities, or athletics, summer is a prime time to build skills, explore interests, and boost your college and career path. Join us this Nov. 14, 2024 for our FREE Webinar on
Everything You Need for a Successful High School Summer:
STEM, Humanities, Sports, and More!
College
Counseling
Looking for counselor near you? From college admissions guidance to academic support, test prep, and more, 7EDU helps students achieve their goals.
Test Prep
(SAT/ACT/AP)
Intensive SAT, ACT, and AP test prep tutoring course online or on-campus in Cupertino, CA. We offer FREE Mock Test and FREE Diagnostic Test.
