How to make the most of summer for prospective college students | College Connection

Summer is around the corner, freeing students from the academic constraints that dictate their schedule throughout the rest of the year. While some rest and rejuvenation time is important, students should maximize the opportunities the season offers to engage in activities that will ultimately enhance their college applications.

Students may have already scheduled some of their upcoming summer activities: part-time job, pre-college program, volunteer service trip. Likely, however, there is more time at their disposal that can be utilized to pursue an area of passion that may help identify their future college major.

Students with an interest in writing can self-publish a book, at no cost, through Amazon’s KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). They can pen a book on any topic, design their own cover, write their bio, and have it printed and offered for sale (at a price they choose) on Amazon’s site around the world. Author copies are typically offered at less than $5 per copy. Becoming a published author is an impressive use of one’s summer vacation!

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Students can also use Amazon to broaden their exposure to renown works of literature. Amazon offers a list of “100 Books to Read in a Lifetime,” including such teen favorites as “The Outsiders,” “The Hunger Games,” “The Hobbit,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Fahrenheit 451” and “Catch-22.”

Students passionate about sports may want to delve into a new sport – perhaps focusing on a less popular one, such as fencing – that may ultimately provide a college scholarship.

Students considering a future career in medicine should use the summer to gain relevant experiences, as colleges typically ask applicants to write an essay on their engagements in the field. The summer provides the perfect opportunity to enroll in an EMT training program, volunteer at a hospital, or shadow doctors, nurses, or physical or occupational therapists.

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Students planning to apply to colleges with a major in the arts would do well to spend the summer creating their portfolio. They can then make the most of “National Portfolio Days” offered throughout the country (including New York City and Philadelphia) in the fall, where college admission folks offer free portfolio critiques. Students can then act on the advice to get their portfolios in top shape before the time arrives to submit them as part of their college applications.

The opportunities to enhance the “Activities” section of college applications are limitless, but students should make their plans soon before the summer of 2024 is a fond memory.

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT? preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Summer important for prospective college students