COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE
Make Your Summer Shine on College Applications Courtesy of International College Counselors
The ways that students spend their time over the summer can make them more attractive to colleges. Participating in the right kinds of activities provides evidence that high school students are actively exploring and developing their interests. Even playing video games can be an option, if your student plans to earn a degree in e-sports or displays enough talent to qualify for an e-sports scholarship.
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Here are five ways students can successfully show that they've used their summer wisely: 1. Develop core interests/bolster current activities. There are hundreds of summer programs and internships that satisfy almost every interest, and many of them are being offered online. From theatre and music to STEM and debate, students have plenty of ways to gain valuable experience. 2. Explore personal interests. Traveling to a foreign country fits into this category, but things are different this year. Other great options include starting a business, mastering a language or an art, participating in research, further a personal interest, or
joining a community service organization. 3. Gain first-hand work experience. Working at a job or internship demonstrates commitment, responsibility, and maturity. Plus, internships and jobs can help students choose a career path or discover new strengths or interests. These options can be both in-person or virtual/remote. Remote internships are most common for internetfriendly jobs such as marketing, scientific research, design, tutoring, virtual event planning, service support, writing and tech. 4. Acquire new knowledge. Students can take classes in almost any subject: cybersecurity, marine biology, fashion design, entrepreneurship, and thousands
