I'm planning on doing a few summer programs next summer, but it looks like I will have a good chunk of time off at the end of the summer and I want to make sure I use the remaining time wisely. I'm balancing between wanting to chill a bit more and also prep for college applications and the year ahead.
Does anyone have advice on how to spend those last weeks effectively? Should I be focusing on writing college essays, researching schools, or maybe even looking into extracurriculars I can get involved in when school starts? I’d love to hear what others are doing or have done to make the most of this time!
It's great that you are thinking ahead about this! While doing summer programs is a great way to spend your summer, you can still make a lot of use of the time when you don't have anything planned.
Since you mentioned college applications, allocating some time to work on them, particularly college essays, can be beneficial. Many students use summer break to get started on their personal statement and school-specific supplement essays. This doesn't necessarily mean spending your entire day writing. Instead, aim to spend an hour or so each day fine-tuning your ideas and making drafts. This systematic approach could reduce the workload when the school year starts and the deadlines loom closer.
Researching colleges is another important task you could focus on. If you've already made a preliminary list of schools you're interested in, that could be a good time to delve deeper into each institution. Look at specifics about academic programs, campus life, financial aid, and other important aspects that interest you. Understanding these details will help you make a more informed decision and also may be helpful when you are writing 'Why us?' essays during the application process.
As for extracurricular activities, consider which initiatives you might want to join or lead in your senior year. Think about how you can add value to the clubs or organizations you're interested in. If, for instance, you're part of a club and see an opportunity for a project that aligns with your interests and abilities, you might want to start planning that project now.
Lastly, taking some time to relax and enjoy your break is equally important. Balancing work and relaxation will help you start the school year refreshed and ready to take on whatever comes your way. Best of luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.