One of the most common and stressful questions students hear is: “What do you want to major in?” 

For many, that simple question triggers anxiety. Some universities allow students to begin as “exploratory,” but many require you to indicate a major when you apply. The good news is you don’t need absolute certainty — you need thoughtful direction. 

During the school year, life moves fast. Classes, homework, practices, and deadlines can leave little room to pause and ask a simple question: What am I actually curious about?

That’s why summer matters. With fewer obligations and more open space in your schedule, summer offers something rare, time to explore without pressure.

Summer is a time to recharge, but it’s also the perfect season to explore opportunities that strengthen both personal growth and college applications. From volunteering with local nonprofits in San Antonio to pursuing internships, summer jobs, or even launching a side hustle, students can use these experiences to uncover passions, build skills, and collect stories that shine in essays and applications. Whether it’s serving your community, shadowing a professional, or running a small business, the lessons learned during summer can leave a lasting impact far beyond break.