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 “package.”
There are a few important points to understand as you proceed:
- What is
highly recommended for you to do with your summer is 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. There are several links at the bottom of this letter
which will provide a wide range of options and types of programs. Just
follow the link(s) for specific details about each program, including
application requirements, deadlines and costs. Note that there are MANY other programs
out there in addition to these so feel free to continue exploring. Some
of these programs have already opened their application process for
summer of 2018 and others won’t begin until later in December or January. Please do not wait to explore your
interest!
- 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.
Follow these links to documents that include
descriptions and
links to specific summer programs:
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