MIT's Summer Activities Section: How can I make the most of it?

Hey everyone, I heard that MIT's application has a section where we can include our summer activities. How should I approach this section to make my application stronger? Should I focus on depth or variety?

Hi there! Great question. The summer activities section on MIT's application is an excellent opportunity to showcase how you have spent your summers productively and how it relates to your interests or goals. In order to make the most of this section, consider the following tips:

1. Focus on depth: Rather than listing many unrelated activities to show variety, it's better to exhibit depth in a few activities that demonstrate your passion, commitment, or growth in a specific area. For example, if you participated in a research internship at a local university, be sure to provide specific details about your project, your role, and any outcomes or accomplishments.

2. Align with your "spike" or narrative: Ideally, your summer activities should complement your overall application narrative or your "spike" (your highly-developed specialty). This shows that you have been consistent and purposeful about pursuing your interests, even during your summer break.

3. Include any significant accomplishments or impact: If any of your summer activities resulted in achievements, such as winning an award, publishing a paper, or contributing to a meaningful cause, be sure to mention those. Demonstrating that your summer experiences had a tangible impact or resulted in growth will make them more compelling.

4. Emphasize meaningful experiences: You might also choose to highlight summer experiences that were personally significant to you or that were transformative in some way. For example, if you spent your summer volunteering with a non-profit organization that works with underprivileged children, and that experience shaped your interest in pursuing a career in education policy, make sure to share that story.

Overall, your approach to the summer activities section should be to provide depth and context to your experiences, align them with your overall application narrative, and showcase any significant accomplishments or impact. Balance quality over quantity, focusing on showcasing how your summer activities have contributed to the development of your passions and interests. Good luck!