What Should I Do Over the Summer for College Admissions? A Guide for High School Students
Why Summer Matters for College Applications
Summer is one of the most important times for high school students preparing for college admissions. It is a chance to build experiences, explore interests, and strengthen a college application outside of the classroom.
Colleges are not only looking at grades—they are looking for how students use their time when school is not in session.
Focus on Meaningful Activities, Not Just “Busy Work”
One of the biggest mistakes students make is trying to do too many random activities. Instead, summer should focus on depth over quantity.
Strong summer activities include:
Academic enrichment programs
Internships or job experience
Volunteer work with consistent involvement
Skill-building (writing, research, coding, art, etc.)
Personal projects or passion projects
Build a College Application Advantage Over the Summer
Explore Academic Interests
Students should use summer to explore subjects they may want to study in college, such as business, psychology, engineering, or healthcare.
Gain Real-World Experience
Jobs, internships, or shadowing experiences help students understand career paths and show responsibility.
Strengthen Your College Essay Material
Summer experiences often become the foundation for college application essays and personal statements.
What Colleges Actually Want to See
Colleges prefer students who show:
Initiative
Consistency
Genuine interest in activities
Growth over time
A well-planned summer helps demonstrate all of these traits.
Example of a Strong Summer Plan
A strong summer might include:
1 academic or enrichment program
1 part-time job or internship
1 consistent volunteer commitment
Time for a personal or passion project
Final Thoughts
Summer is not just a break—it is an opportunity to build experiences that strengthen college applications and help students discover their interests.