Summer Programming for the College-Bound Student
Summer is a great time for you to explore new interests, develop skills, and dive deeper into subjects you’re passionate about. Whether you’re working a summer job, attending a pre-college program, volunteering, or taking specialized courses, these activities can enhance your college application while giving you valuable real-world experience. Beyond just impressing admissions committees, these experiences can help you discover your true academic and career interests, setting you up for success in both college and your future career.
Why Authentic Engagement Matters
Colleges want to see that you’re genuinely passionate and curious about learning. It’s not about how many activities you’re involved in, but how those activities align with your interests and goals. Summer is the perfect time to show colleges that you’re committed to what matters to you and eager to learn—both inside and outside the classroom.
Let’s look at some summer opportunities that can help you grow personally and academically:
Community Service
Volunteering is a great way for you to address real-world challenges while gaining hands-on experience. It’s also a chance to connect your volunteer work with your academic interests. Many high schools require community service for graduation, so seeking out volunteer opportunities that align with your future goals will help you stand out. Think about what issues you care about most—are there local problems you want to help solve? Whether it's working with hospitals, schools, museums, or non-profits, your volunteer work can show your commitment to making a positive impact. You can also find virtual or in-person opportunities through organizations like Volunteer Match or Learn to Be.
Summer Jobs
Summer jobs are a great way for you to gain practical experience while earning some money. Along with building important life skills like time management, communication, and teamwork, a summer job can also help you develop a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. Colleges value students who show commitment to responsibilities over several years, so maintaining a summer job can highlight your reliability and dedication. Whether you work in retail, hospitality, or another field, it can also help you develop skills that will be useful in college and beyond.
Internships
Internships give you the chance to explore potential career paths and gain professional experience. They also help you develop key industry skills and might even inspire your future academic or career focus. High school internships can be difficult to get, so be sure to tap into your personal networks—like teachers, family, or community connections—to find opportunities. An internship related to your academic interests can be a great addition to your college application.
Pre-College Programs
Pre-college programs give you the experience of college life before you even get to campus. Many of these programs let you live on campus, take college-level courses, and develop leadership skills. While attending a pre-college program at a specific university doesn’t impact your admissions chances there, participating in one that’s related to your academic interests can strengthen your college applications. These programs are typically more expensive but offer valuable insight into college life and can help you make connections with people from all over.
Independent Research
Independent research can be a great way to explore a specific topic in-depth. Doing research shows intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to work independently—all qualities colleges highly value. To ensure a successful independent research project, setting clear goals and selecting a specific topic can elevate your endeavor. Working with a mentor can help guide you through the process and make it less overwhelming. Programs like Horizon Academics, Lumiere Education, Pioneer Academics, Polygence, and Scholar Launch offer structured opportunities to engage in meaningful research projects.
Online Courses
Online courses are a flexible, affordable way to expand your knowledge in areas that interest you. Many free or low-cost options are available through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) or platforms like Apex Learning. Look for courses that focus on a specific topic rather than introductory-level ones. These courses demonstrate your commitment to learning, helping you build a strong academic profile.
By exploring one or two of these summer programming opportunities, you’ll not only strengthen your college application but also gain valuable experiences that will help you grow academically and personally. Whether it’s through community service, a summer job, an internship, or independent research, these activities can help shape your academic journey and prepare you for success in college.
