ShelbyGerken

What time is it? It’s summertime. The time of the year that students look forward to all year. It’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy a homework free summer. 

Though summer vacation is a time for relaxing, it is also a crucial time for students to take advantage of all their free time to build up their resume. It’s sort of an unspoken rule that took me a long time to figure out. 

During the school year, it’s hard to multitask between schoolwork and extracurriculars. So, during the summer, focus on participating in interesting activities that will look good on your college application! 

This can be anything from a job to going to summer camp. You could volunteer once a week at your favorite pantry, nanny for a family or start a band with your friends. Just as long as you are doing something where you are accomplishing and achieving something, you’re doing it right.

One thing to keep in mind is that colleges like when students show commitment by having multiple years of one activity. If you have been a camp counselor for two years, you could make it three years! It’s ok to stick to what you know and what you are already doing. 

On the other hand, the summertime is a chance to take a risk and try new things. Apply for that new job or try a new club, and even if you don’t continue with it, it’s still something that you did. You actively put yourself out there to get involved, and that’s what colleges like to see. 

It’s also not about how many activities you have on your resume, it’s about your role in it. It is way more impressive to see that you are the vice president of a foundation’s junior board and shift lead at your job of two years, than a general member of six clubs and three teams. Quality over quantity, and more does not always mean better. 

Another opportunity to get involved in the summer is to apply for internships. Internships may not always be paid, but they are worth it when it comes to gaining experience and networking within a field. Internships are a great way to start to look at potential careers, find a job that you think could be fun and then you can get to see what it would be like to work there risk free. 

Networking and getting to talk to people in that field and ask them questions is good for future experiences, it could even turn into a future job. You do not have to know what career you want for the rest of your life, this is just a good way to narrow down your options to help you when it comes to the college search rapidly approaching. 

Additionally, it is important to work towards a well rounded resume. Adding a variety of different activities show colleges that you will be involved and be good representation for their school. If you are on three different campus ministry teams, add in some volunteer hours! 

But above all, it is crucial to have fun. College applications can be a stressful time for teenagers, but it is important to remember that fact, we are teenagers. This is the time to make memories and lasting relationships. If you make every second of our free time count, you are sure to have a successful summer.