Summer break— a time of relaxation, vacations, and fun, right? While that’s certainly true, summer also presents a golden opportunity for high school students. How? Katie Garrett, the founder of Garrett Educational Consulting (GEC), says that by using this time to engage in activities that boost their resumes, students can work towards creating compelling college applications.
Are you wondering what these activities could be or how to balance fun and productivity, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Read on to learn more about the importance of utilizing your summer wisely in high school, look at what former GEC students have done, and even get some tips for Middle Schoolers.
Importance of Summer Activities
Imagine a college admissions officer sifting through a mountain of applications. What makes one application stand out? Grades and test scores, yes, but there’s another critical element—extracurricular involvement. And summer activities provide the ideal platform to expand this section of your resume.
Engaging in meaningful activities over the summer can set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment, initiative, and passion. These ventures, be it an internship, volunteering, or a personal project, help develop vital skills like leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and time management, which are invaluable in college and beyond.
Suggestions for Resume-Building Activities
So, what activities should you consider? Here’s a list to get you started:
- Volunteering at Local Organizations: This is a fantastic way to give back to your community while gaining valuable experience. Schools, shelters, hospitals, or local NGOs often need volunteers and can provide diverse roles for you to explore. Search out opportunities in areas that interest you. Kids who are active in sports might consider volunteering to run a camp with their local sports league. Students who are heavily involved with their church or synagogue might volunteer for a mission trip or help out at summer camps or Vacation Bible School.
- Participating in Summer Experience Programs: Many colleges offer pre-college summer programs that allow you to experience campus life, take courses, and even earn college credit. It offers a glimpse of your potential future environment and demonstrates your readiness for it. There are programs located throughout the US, and for those who want to add in experiencing other cultures, you can find programs all over the world.
- Pursuing Internships: Whether paid or unpaid, internships provide real-world experience in your area of interest. It enables you to explore potential career paths and establish valuable connections in the industry. Internships let you see the nitty-gritty of a profession you may be considering and help guide your choices of colleges, college majors, and future employment.
- Starting a Small Business: This could be anything from tutoring younger students, selling handmade jewelry online, or running a summer camp for the kids in your neighborhood. It showcases your entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and determination.
- Get a Job: Summer jobs offer a wealth of benefits, including gaining valuable work experience and practical skills like time management and problem-solving. These roles teach financial responsibility through earning and managing money and additionally, summer employment fosters a strong work ethic and enhances college applications by demonstrating initiative and ability to balance multiple responsibilities.
- Pursue a Passion Project: Dedicating the summer to a passion project offers high school students a unique and enriching experience. Whether it’s launching a book club, delving into the art of photography to create a portfolio, or starting a podcast, these projects fuel creativity and self-expression. They provide a platform for students to explore and deepen their interests while also developing valuable skills such as leadership, communication, and organization. Passion projects can also be a significant addition to college applications, showcasing a student’s commitment, creativity, and drive. These endeavors cultivate a sense of accomplishment and personal growth and offer the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a community of learning and shared interests.
Balancing Fun and Productivity
While engaging in resume-building activities is crucial, enjoying your summer break is equally important. After all, colleges also value well-rounded students who pursue their interests outside academics. Think of summer as a canvas where productivity and fun create a harmonious blend. Here are some tips to strike this balance:
- Time Management: Plan your week in advance, allotting time for your chosen activities, hobbies, relaxation, and socializing.
- Pursue Activities You Enjoy: If you’re passionate about the cause you’re volunteering for or the small business you’re starting, it won’t feel like work.
- Take Breaks: It’s okay to have days where you do nothing but enjoy a good book, go for a swim, or hang out with friends. Rest is crucial for maintaining productivity in the long run.
Importance of Networking and Gaining Experience
In everything you do over the summer, remember two important goals—networking and gaining experience. The connections you make now could open doors for future opportunities, recommendations, or mentorship. On the other hand, every experience, whether successful or not, teaches you something valuable. Embrace these opportunities to learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for your future academic and professional life.
What Have GEC Students Done?
GEC students pursue a wide variety of opportunities during the summer. Each year Katie sits down with her students in their spring meetings and asks them what their plans are for the upcoming summer. “I tell my students, the only wrong answer about planning your summer is planning to do nothing,” says Katie. Check out what some of our GEC students have done.
- Ben, the Podcaster: Ben developed an interest in finance and investing and decided that he wanted to learn more. Ben spent time educating himself on various topics and thought that not enough high school students knew the ins and outs of finance and investing. Ben developed a podcast to talk about these topics so he could share his knowledge with other teenagers.
- Julie, The Volunteer: Julie chose to volunteer in Charlotte over the summer to build her resume by giving back to an organization that was important to her. Volunteering allowed Julie to remain involved in her demanding year-round sports schedule while still participating in the community and adding skills to her resume. In Charlotte, we have some great ways to get involved. Share Charlotte – a local organization that pairs volunteers with organizations with a need has a teen volunteering page that students can use to match up with an opportunity over the summer.
- Emily, the Camp Counselor: Emily attended summer camp in the North Carolina mountains while she was growing up and in high school had the opportunity to become first a CIT (Counselor in Training) and then move up to full camp counselor. Emily got to reconnect with camp friends who were also working at the camp and got to experience mentoring younger girls during her time.
- Jack, the Pre-College Student: Jack attended a pre-college program in England to study economics at Oxford. Jack got a taste of being in classes with college professors, working on group projects with other kids, and meeting college-level expectations and deadlines (without the pressure of grades hanging over his head). Additionally, Jack got to meet and become friends with kids from all over the world and develop a better understanding of their experiences and culture.
- Sally, the Entrepreneur: Sally loved baking and especially loved making French macarons. Staring small, Sally began selling her product to family friends and word spread quickly about the delicious cookies. Soon Sally had set up an Instagram profile for her small business to advertise and sell her weekly flavors. She then took another step, incorporated her love for working with children, and developed a series of summer camps for kids to teach them the art of making macarons.
Hints for Middle School Students
Summer for middle school students is an ideal time to embrace productive activities without the pressure of college applications. It’s a period for them to explore diverse interests, engage in hobbies, and participate in fun educational experiences. Whether it’s joining a local sports team, attending a science camp, learning a new musical instrument, or simply indulging in a good book series, the goal is to cultivate a habit of staying active and intellectually stimulated. These activities help develop a sense of responsibility, time management, and personal interests. By keeping busy with enjoyable and constructive pursuits, middle schoolers lay the groundwork for a productive routine, which will be beneficial as they transition to high school. This approach encourages a balanced development, focusing on personal growth and the joy of learning rather than solely on future college applications.
With its abundance of time and opportunities, summer break is a valuable asset for high school students preparing for college. Whether you choose to volunteer, intern, or start your own venture, remember that the goal is to learn, grow, and make memories. These experiences strengthen your college applications and pave the way for your future academic and professional success.
Struggling to decide what’s best for you? Contact us at Garrett Educational Consulting! Our expert guidance can help you navigate college applications, including planning your summers! Because every student deserves a fulfilling summer and a robust college application!
Garrett Educational Consulting
Garrett Educational Consulting provides comprehensive application support to students going through the college admissions and boarding school admission process. Learn more about their services by clicking HERE.
425-A S. Sharon Amity Road | Charlotte, NC 28211
980.677.0311
info@garretteducationalconsulting.com
