How to Make the Most out of the Summer Before Senior Year
How to Make the Most out of the Summer Before Senior Year
Finals are over. AP exams are in the rearview mirror. The seniors have graduated and the warmth in the air makes it clear: summer is almost here!You’ve worked hard all year, and no one could be more ready for a long vacation than you are (well, maybe your teachers). The summer before senior year is a special time for many students, and there are many exciting changes coming just on the other side of it.Students who use this summer wisely gain a big advantage in the college application process. They enter senior year better prepared, both because they’ve done much of the groundwork necessary for a successful college application process and because they have acquired valuable self-perspective about the schools, majors, and programs that might fit their interests best.You too can make the most out of the summer before your senior year! Whether you have a plan already mapped out or you are starting from scratch, read on to learn ways to get the greatest value out of your time this summer.
Recharge Your Battery
You have to spend some time recuperating from the stress of junior year. Make sure that part of your summer involves doing things that you love. This will reenergize you for the work still to come.This doesn’t mean turn into a couch potato. There’s nothing wrong with Netflix and video games in moderation, but try spending some time unplugged from technology. Being actively engaged – reading a book, writing a song with a friend, hiking in the mountains, volunteering at the local senior center, or any number of positive outlets for your energy and brainpower – will help you gain clarity and focus.The summer before senior year is less a vacation and more a change of pace for the serious student. So, take a few days to breathe, and catch up on much needed sleep or your favorite show. Then get ready to make each day count!
Have a Meaningful Learning or Work Experience
There is no set path that you have to follow. As long as you make choices that are best for you and you fully engage in them, you can make the most of your summer.You should strive to gain valuable experience and to differentiate yourself from your peers, as well as to further explore your interests.Consider the following activities as ways to enhance your time.
Internships
Get on-the-job experience and useful insight about whether or not a potential career path makes sense for you by interning.Internships build professional skills and help students form networks that can propel their future work. They can also inform your perspective on which majors or colleges might best suit your ambition.Even though you may be assigned a lot of administrative work or make little to no money, you will gain valuable experience as well as access to high-level decision makers with knowledge ripe for the sharing.Finding an internship happens in many ways. Some companies require an application. Often students find internships from connections they already have.Take some time to think about what you might be interested in pursuing. Is there someone that you already know who works in a related field? Perhaps a neighbor, a parent, or family friend has a career you can shadow. Your college counselor may also be able to help connect you to someone.
Summer Classes and Programs
Enrolling in a class or program is a fantastic way to take your academic interests to the next level. If your passion is math, for example, the summer before senior year is an ideal time to sign up for higher level courses not offered at your high school.Many colleges offer summer sessions designed to give students a taste of what life is like at that institution while studying subjects they love. Applications for these programs are often due in the winter or spring, so if this is an appealing option to you, make sure to plan ahead!Even if a boarding program isn’t feasible, there are quite a few community colleges and online courses happily accepting eager students.Learn a new language or computer code. Create a stunning art portfolio with the help of an acclaimed teacher. Study psychology at the local state college so you can take AP Government in that block next semester.There are virtually endless possibilities and just as many good reasons to keep your brain active this summer by taking at least one challenging class.
Jobs
Some students need to work to help support themselves or their families. Others choose to have a job for various reasons. In the mind of an admissions officer, spending your summer earning money is both commendable and informative, and choosing a job intentionally can help set you apart from your peers.Working with adults requires a level of professionalism and accountability that being a student does not. And if there are family obligations that make working a necessity, it helps the people who read your application understand the limits on your time.Whether or not your summer job is in your desired industry, use it as an opportunity to learn leadership skills, practice collaboration, and improve your work ethic.In the short run, you may gain a valuable ally in your boss who can write a letter of recommendation for you. In the long run, you will develop into a better, more conscientious person.
Start Your Applications
Before you return to school for senior year, you should have a sense of the schools you are going to apply to and you should have begun your applications.The first step is creating a strong college list that reflects your preferences and will give you a higher chance of having multiple positive outcomes. After you’ve done that, it’s time to get to work!This summer is ideal for making noticeable progress because the first semester of senior year is packed with activity and anxiety. You won’t have the ability to dedicate hours of undistracted time to doing your best work once the school year begins.Students considering applying early – which is almost every student now – especially need to take advantage of July and August as prime writing months for their personal statements and supplemental essays.You’ll want to make the best impression possible with your application. Use your time wisely and it will be easier to do so.
Finish Summer Reading and Get a Jumpstart on the Year
The last thing you want to do is start senior year playing catch up. Make sure you complete all assignments your school gives you over the summer so you can begin your last year of high school on the right foot.Make a point not just to complete these assignments, but to really give your best effort. Making a habit of performing at a high level will spill over into your other activities and set a successful tone for the year.Remember, your first quarter and semester grades factor into the narrative you create for colleges about how ready you are for their institution.You can use them to show growth or continued high-level performance by earning top grades. Begin that trend with your summer assignments.
How Will You Make the Most out of the Summer Before Senior Year?
How do you plan to use this summer to bring you closer to achieving your goals? Hopefully these tips will give you some insight into what you should focus on.The most important thing is to stay engaged. Don’t just have experiences; dive deeply into them!Ask questions. Make friends. Immerse yourself in your activities and learn how to share your experiences with others.This is an exciting but pressure-packed time for rising seniors and their families. We understand that, and we would be happy to partner with you and your family in navigating the choices ahead of you.The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays and writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.Ready to get started? Schedule a complimentary 20-minute conversation today!Want to stay informed? Subscribe to our newsletter.See what others are saying about us.