Here are five activities that can help rising freshmen prepare for college admission while enjoying their summer.
1. Volunteer for a Local Cause
Colleges value students who demonstrate a commitment to their communities and show leadership through service. Volunteering during the summer is a great way to start building this profile. Volunteering also develops skills like teamwork and communication, which are beneficial both in high school and beyond. Look for opportunities that align with your interests.
For example:
- If you love animals, volunteer at a local animal shelter;
- Interested in education? Help younger kids with reading or math at a local library or
summer camp;
- Passionate about the environment? Join a cleanup event or work with an organization focused on sustainability.
2. Explore Academic Interests
Summer is the perfect time to explore subjects that fascinate you and might shape your future career. By diving into academic interests early, you can identify potential areas of focus for extracurriculars and electives during high school. Look into free or low-cost online courses, local workshops, or STEM camps.
For instance:
- Platforms like Khan Academy or Coursera offer courses in math, science, programming, and more.
- Many universities host summer programs for high school students; some even cater to middle school graduates transitioning to high school.
3. Start a Hobby or Personal Project
Colleges increasingly look for students with unique passions and experiences. Use this summer to start a new hobby or project that reflects your personality. These activities not only bring joy, help develop soft skills like creativity and problem-solving, but also help build your personal brand.
Examples include:
- Create a blog or YouTube channel about something you love (e.g., gaming, cooking, fashion). Write a short story or start journaling if you enjoy writing.
- Build something—whether it’s coding an app, crafting furniture, or designing artwork.
4. Build Organizational Skills
High school comes with increased academic pressure and extracurricular commitments, so learning how to stay organized is crucial.
Examples include:
- Practice using planners or apps like Google Calendar to track tasks and deadlines.
- Set goals for the upcoming school year, such as joining a club, maintaining strong
grades, or improving time management.
- If you want to join the debate team in high school, research what skills are needed and plan how to prepare over the summer.
5. Read Widely
Reading is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to expand your knowledge, improve vocabulary, and develop critical thinking skills—all of which are essential for college success.
Examples include:
- Non-fiction titles on topics you’re curious about (e.g., science, history, business).
- Classic literature often referenced in high school English classes.
- Books by diverse authors to broaden your worldview.
- Pulitzer Prize-winning novels or recommendations from your local librarian.
