This is an
excellent question! What you do with your summer – and how you articulate that to the colleges – can be an extremely
valuable aspect of a student’s overall application “package.” There are a few
important points to understand as you proceed:
It is highly
recommended that you use the summer to do something with meaning, intent and interest!
Some of the excellent options include:
- Work! Holding down a job shows responsibility and
is a great way to build your resume, especially if you can progress in
the position. (By the way, working
as a Camp Counselor IS a job,
and an excellent one at that.)
- Take classes. Yes, you can take classes through a variety
of summer programs on college campuses but you can also take online
courses, FLVS high school courses, or enroll for one or two classes at Palm
Beach State College.
- Volunteer. You can make a difference in your local
community or even travel to participate in a service opportunity, such as
Habitat for Humanity.
- Travel. Travel can be fun as well as a learning
experience. You can plan a range
of destinations, including visits to college campuses that you may be
interested in learning more about.
- Camp. Students who have a strong desire to
continue attending their beloved summer camp can absolutely still do so
as part of a meaningful summer experience.
- Enrichment Programs. These can range from academic interests to
recreational ones; can take place on college campuses or the side of a
mountain. See the next post for link(s) to specific details about each
program, including application requirements, deadlines and costs.
Don’t forget that a
little down time is a good thing! It is
ok to spend some time with friends, go to the beach and sleep in; however, if
these things become your entire summer you have lost a valuable opportunity.
Just because a
summer program has a high sticker price does not mean it is the best summer
option. Colleges are well aware that
those amazing summer programs are not an option for everyone due to the cost or
other obligations, so they are not required or even recommended for admission.
However, note that if attending one of these valuable programs is of interest
to you but cost is a concern, some of them do offer scholarships or other
discounts.
Keep in mind that
whatever you do, take notes or keep some kind of journal or record of your
experiences. This could lead to a truly
meaningful and interesting college essay.
Enjoy your
explorations!
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