Creating Meaningful Summer Experiences
One great way to strengthen college applications is to curate a summer filled with meaningful experiences. Whether it’s summer classes, internships, or special projects, summer activities can make the difference in helping a student’s application stand out, particularly for the more competitive majors. We advise students to pursue at least three activities from the four example types listed below during the summer between junior and senior year.
Structured camps or pre-college programs
University-hosted pre-college programs help students dive deeper into specific majors and career paths. Typically, camps utilize both classroom-focused instruction along with hands-on projects and activities. Some are day camps, but others allow students to stay in on-campus housing while attending. In addition to providing insights on careers, pre-college programs provide an opportunity to check out college campuses and learn more about college life.
Pre-college programs can be highly competitive, so pay close attention to application deadlines and requirements.
Students can find information about pre-college programs by:
Researching this library of programs sorted by area of study.
Looking online using the name of a university the student is interested in attended and the words “high school summer camps.”
Real-world exposure
Many students are pleasantly surprised to learn that employers are happy to host high school students and help them determine whether a particular career path is right for them. Often, the biggest challenge is simply figuring out where to start. Student experiences often fall into one of several types:
Internships – Lasting from a few days to several weeks, internships allow students to become part of a professional team for a short period of time. Interns are expected to immerse themselves in the organization’s community and culture, assisting with special projects or daily tasks. Internships are generally unpaid for high school students, but they can provide valuable insight into potential career paths.
Shadowing Opportunities – Typically lasting one to five days, shadowing allows students to observe a professional’s workday and participate in important events when appropriate. Students usually do not have specific responsibilities other than listening, observing, and asking thoughtful questions. Shadowing positions are typically unpaid.
Informational Interviews – Often conducted over coffee or lunch, informational interviews give students the opportunity to meet with professionals to ask questions about their career paths and education. These conversations can offer valuable guidance and personal insights.
For more information on how to reach out to potential professional contacts, see our blog Real World Exposure for tips on finding resources and templates for the communications you may need.
Self-initiated projects
Self-initiated projects are opportunities for students to conduct specific projects based on their unique skills and interests. The key is that the project is initiated and conducted by the student in a way that allows them to follow their curiosity.
Self-initiated projects can take many forms, from running a small online business to organizing a group of students to give back to their community to designing a new process to help their school. The only limit is the curiosity and motivation of the student.
Some specific example projects include:
A student with graphic design experience who is interested in marketing might design flyers, pamphlets, or campaign materials for their church.
A student proficient in Excel might help collect and organize data for a friend’s company’s mailing list.
A student who loves animals could start a pet sitting business in their neighborhood, tracking the pricing and advertising techniques that attract the most clients.
These types of projects provide hands-on exposure and a glimpse into professional work. For more ideas on self-initiated projects, see our blog on Case Studies of Student-Initiated Projects.
Additional self-directed learning
Exploring a potential career path can also be strengthened through self-directed learning in an area of interest. Diving deeper than the courses offered in high school allows students to showcase their curiosity and initiative while also equipping them with valuable knowledge in their chosen field.
Examples of self-directed learning include:
Reading a book or series of books that pique your interest in a particular topic.
Taking an online course on a platform like Coursera.
Taking a college level course in your local community that relates to your field of interest.
Listening to podcasts related to your area of interest, taking note of experts in the field and areas that particularly intrigue you.
Putting together a research project in an area of interest, including talking to experts and reading up on the latest trends. Submit your research to your local or high school newspaper for potential publication.