Parents, remember the old days when you spent the summer doing nothing? This was a time for sitting on the beach, driving around or hanging with friends.
Those days are long gone. Today, college admissions officers see meaningful summer activities as a demonstration of commitment and responsibility. They want their incoming freshman class to have filled their summer months with constructive, productive time.
But all is not lost! The summer break is a perfect time to pursue and improve ones interests and gain valuable work experience through paid or unpaid internships, volunteer jobs and summer school. It is an excellent opportunity for hands on training in a career that may interest you.
Where does one start?
1. Think about the things you like to do. Do you like the outdoors? Look into becoming a counselor at a summer camp or applying for a job at a national park. The Department of Fish and Game located in Los Alamitos, is always looking for volunteers.
2. What will be your major? If it is journalism, check with your local newspaper. Medicine? Approach one of the many hospitals.
3. Are you an athlete? There are many organizations that sponsor summer camps. Seek out one in your sport and assist with their camp. You could also volunteer for your local parks and recreation department.
Even though some of these may be volunteer or low paying jobs, the work experience you gain and the relationships you make and maintain are invaluable. Keeping assigned hours and being responsible for certain projects show the maturity that colleges look for in their students. Colleges also look for students who are dedicated and committed. It is better to have a few meaningful causes than a long list of organizations.
There is also summer school. No, not the remedial classes for students who slack off in school, I’m talking about attending college and taking classes in a subject that interests you. There are college summer courses for almost every type of student, either academically or for developing a special talent or interest. Most schools welcome high school students who wish to experience learning on the college level. If you want to experience college level classes first hand, contact a college of your choosing, ask them if they have a summer semester and if they will send you a catalog or go online to their web site. Usually full time students get first priority for class space but it is worth a try.
And finally, read. Read, read, read! Much as you practice your sport or special talent reading is the way to hone your reading comprehension skills. Read different mediums such as the Internet, books, the newspaper and magazines. The classics are always important to colleges. Informed students are also important so when you read the newspaper you will become familiar with what is happening in your community, country and world.
Even though lying on the beach for two months sounds like a wonderful way to spend the summer, we all know after a couple of weeks this becomes boring. Wouldn’t it be more fulfilling to spend the summer doing what you love to do, having an interesting productive time and maybe getting paid for all your hard work? I leave the decision to you.
Information for this article was collected from www.collegeboard.com a web site dedicated to assisting and advising college-bound students.
Margene Walz is an Athletic and Academic Counselor for Quest College Counseling. For more information call (562) 280-0460 or QuestCC@hotmail.com.
