A Guide to College Prep Over the Summer

Parents, buckle your seat belts. The road to college can be a bumpy one if you don’t map it right. We picked up some navigating tips from Dr. Katherine Cohen, college admissions expert and CEO/founder of Ivy Wise, a college admissions counseling company.

Admission to the top colleges is highly competitive, so it’s important for students to make the most of their time both inside and outside of the classroom. Summers should be looked at as a great opportunity for students to gain new experiences and learn more about themselves.

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Enroll in college-level classes locally. Often, this allows for deeper exploration of an area of study or provides educational opportunities that are not available in high school, as with a subject like marketing. Taking a college-level class in a field of interest could help determine what major to pursue in college. In some cases, students can even earn credits toward college.

Participate in academic or extracurricular programs. With a little bit of research, you will find there is a summer program for nearly any interest … and several offer scholarships and financial aid. For example, a student interested in music may want to attend the Interlochen High School Singer-Songwriter Summer Program in Michigan, while a business-minded student might like Babson College’s Idea Generation Experience. Be sure the program spans a month or longer.

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Students interested in exploring topics that aren’t covered by their high school curriculum can create their own independent summer mini-course of study. For example, a student interested in philosophy can develop a reading list of Plato, Aristotle, Kant and Nietzsche.

A summer job or internship can help students confirm career aspirations, discover new interests and gain firsthand experience. For example, a student interested in journalism may want to spend the summer at a local newspaper or TV station. Committing at least 20 hours per week to a job or volunteer position will allow students to make an impact and take away more from the experience. Ask the high school guidance counselor if the school has any partnerships or recommendations.

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Find a community service organization to volunteer with. Colleges want to see that students are making an impact in the classroom and in their local communities. Consider volunteering with a community organization that provides an opportunity to make a difference or further an area of interest. For example, a student interested in being a doctor or nurse may volunteer at a local hospital or nursing home.

Remember, while it’s important for students to have a deep and meaningful summer experience, it’s also important to have some downtime. Take a few weeks to relax, recharge, and spend time with friends and family.