7 Important Activities For College-Bound Students

As admissions officers are looking beyond applicants’ grades and test scores, summers have become the resume-building crunch time as application deadlines loom over college-bound students. Distinguishing yourself from other equally qualified applicants isn’t as simple anymore. Boost your application by supplementing your test scores, admissions essay and teacher recommendations with some of these summer activities!

1. Study

Take a challenging prep course. Not everyone is gifted with a natural aptitude for acing standardized tests. Improving your scores will give you a better shot at your dream university. If you can't find a nearby centre for SAT, TOEFL, IELTS and other prep courses, go online to search for these courses! Also, with the abundance of prep books available from a variety of authors and publishers, self-study is also an option to consider.

2. Work on your applications

It’s never too early to start your college essay. It is, after all, the admissions officer’s chance to see your personality and life experience. Don’t leave it to the last minute and miss the opportunity to impress!

3. Pre-college summer programmes

Most universities and colleges offer summer classes open to high school students. Many universities have also tailored pre-college summer programs to help students get a better understanding of university life. In these programs, you will be staying at the dorms on campus with university students, eating at the cafeteria, and attending lectures and tutorials just like regular university students. Not only do these programs help you get a feel of university life, they are also college-level classes taught by college professors. Most universities will offer credit for these courses (depending on your grades, of course).

4. Internship

If you dread the thought of studying during the summer, fret not. Internships are also a popular choice to impress a university. Many companies will hire students for unpaid internships. These not only look good on your application, but also help you find internships while you’re in university! Remember: research application deadlines and requirements well in advance so that you don’t miss out.

5. Get a summer job

While unpaid internships with big companies can look impressive, a real job also shows a lot of responsibility. Go old school and get a summer job, or be entrepreneurial and start your own business! Plus, the extra cash is always fun.

6. Be a volunteer

Whether you volunteer your time locally or on a different continent, make sure it is for a cause you truly believe in. While colleges expect well-rounded, intelligent, and socially-conscious applicants, they are also wary of students who look too good to be true. So, stay true to yourself and show your passion.

7. Travel and immerse yourself in a new culture

This is definitely something you can write about in your college essay. There are many summer immersion and exchange programs available that include language classes and home-stays with a local family. So, whether you are backpacking across a new continent or the next state, exploring new places and cultures is an enriching experience.