6 Ways To Make Teen Summers Count

Monday, June 28, 2010

Cristiana Quinn, GoLocalProv College Admissions Expert

Just because it's summer doesn't mean teens shouldn't be thinking about college. In fact, summertime is prime time for taking advantage of open scheduling to enhance a college application. Here are six ways to make summer pay off in the long run, when it's time to apply to college.

1. Volunteer for an organization that aligns with one of your passions.

Colleges want to see a minimum of 50 hours of community service per year and focusing on an area of interest helps strengthen your profile. So, volunteer with children, the elderly, the environment, animals, or performing arts; find your niche and get involved!

2. Study for the PSAT or SAT.

Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors can benefit from PSAT or SAT prep. Whether you take a course, work with a private tutor or study on your own, research shows that preparing for the SAT does work!

3. Intern with a company or organization where you may have a career interest.

While jobs are hard to find in a down economy, unpaid internships abound. Prepare a basic resume with your GPA, extra-curricular activities and community service. Then call the intern coordinator or HR Director at companies, architectural or engineering firms, hospitals, museums, sports teams, arts organizations, non-profits or wherever your interest lies, and ask about unpaid internship opportunities.

4. Start an organization to help make the world a better place.

While leadership roles at school can be difficult to obtain, summer offers endless opportunities to create your own spot at the helm. Organize some friends, decide on a cause, make a plan of action and help save a rare species of frog, babysit or do yard work for families dealing with cancer, teach homeless kids to play soccer or whatever ignites passion in you.

5. Play on a summer travel team for sports.

College coaches frequently scout players during the summer when travel teams play in tournaments and showcases. Both sporting venues also offer students a great opportunity to hone their skills.

6. Take a music, theatre, art or academic class that interests you, but won’t fit into your schedule during the school year.

From Trinity Rep and RISD to Brown or online AP classes, there are a wealth of options for high school students to explore new territories and build their resume for college.

Cristiana Quinn, M.Ed. is the founder of College Admission Advisors, LLC, a Providence-based educational consulting firm which provides strategic, individual counseling for college-bound students. www.collegeadvisorsonline.com

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