Making the Most of Your High School Summers for College Prep

18 August 2025

High school summers are a golden opportunity—not just for relaxation but for getting a head start on college prep. While it might be tempting to binge-watch Netflix or sleep till noon, those lazy months can be used to boost your college applications, gain new skills, and figure out what you truly want in life. So, how can you make the most of your summer while still enjoying your break? Let’s dive in!

Why Your Summer Matters for College Prep

You might think colleges only care about your grades and test scores. But in reality, they look at the full picture—your extracurriculars, passions, work ethic, and personal growth. Summer is when you can show colleges that you are proactive, curious, and willing to go the extra mile.

A well-spent summer can:

- Make your college applications stand out
- Help you discover new interests
- Strengthen your leadership and problem-solving skills
- Give you real-world experience
- Build connections with mentors and professionals

Now, let's break down how you can maximize your high school summers in a way that is both rewarding and enjoyable!

1. Take College-Level or Online Courses

Want to show colleges that you’re serious about learning? Take a summer course! Many universities offer pre-college programs, and websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy provide free or affordable courses on everything from computer programming to psychology.

Benefits of taking summer courses:

- Gain knowledge in subjects you might want to major in
- Improve your critical thinking and academic skills
- Show colleges your commitment to education
- Potentially earn college credit

If you’re considering an Ivy League school or a competitive university, participating in a pre-college program can impress admissions officers.

2. Get Hands-On Experience Through Internships

An internship is a fantastic way to get real-world experience. Whether it’s in a law firm, medical office, tech startup, or local business, internships help you explore careers before committing to a major.

How to find a summer internship:

- Ask your teachers or school counselor about opportunities
- Reach out to local businesses and organizations
- Apply for structured internship programs (some even offer stipends!)
- Network with family, friends, or alumni from your school

Even if you land an unpaid internship, the experience and skills you gain will be worth it. Plus, it's a great conversation starter in college interviews!

3. Volunteer and Give Back to the Community

Colleges love students who give back. Engaging in volunteer work shows that you’re compassionate, responsible, and committed to making a difference.

Ways to volunteer during summer:

- Help out at a local shelter or food bank
- Tutor younger students in academics or music
- Organize a community clean-up
- Volunteer at a hospital, library, or museum

If you want to go the extra mile, start your own project! Organizing a fundraiser or launching a non-profit initiative can make a huge impact—not just on your college app but in your community.

4. Start a Passion Project

Have you ever wanted to start a YouTube channel, write a novel, or create an app? Summer is the perfect time to work on a passion project.

Colleges admire students who take initiative. Whether it’s blogging about social issues, producing music, or coding a website, your passion project can demonstrate originality and leadership.

Tips for starting a passion project:

- Pick something you genuinely enjoy
- Set goals to keep yourself accountable
- Document your progress (great for college essays!)
- Share your work with the world through social media or a personal website

Passion projects don’t just look good on applications—they help you develop valuable skills while doing something you love.

5. Prepare for the SAT or ACT

A higher test score can open doors to scholarships and improve your chances at competitive schools. If you haven't crushed the SAT or ACT yet, summer is the ideal time to buckle down and study.

How to effectively prep for standardized tests:

- Take a diagnostic test to see where you stand
- Create a realistic study schedule
- Use test prep books, online courses, or tutoring services
- Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions

Even dedicating an hour a day to test prep can yield huge improvements. And trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re not scrambling to study during the school year.

6. Get a Summer Job

A summer job might not sound glamorous, but it can teach you responsibility, time management, and financial independence. Plus, earning your own money feels amazing.

Some great summer job ideas:

- Retail or food service positions
- Babysitting or pet-sitting
- Camp counselor or lifeguard roles
- Freelance work (like graphic design or tutoring)

Colleges value work experience because it shows you can handle responsibility. And, hey, a paycheck isn’t too bad either!

7. Travel or Study Abroad (If Possible)

If you have the opportunity to travel, do it. Visiting new places broadens your perspective, enhances cultural awareness, and helps you develop independence.

If you can’t travel abroad, consider these alternatives:

- Attend a language immersion program
- Explore historical and cultural sites in your own city
- Connect with people from different backgrounds through online communities

Traveling and learning about other cultures can inspire incredible personal stories—perfect for college essays.

8. Read, Read, Read!

Reading might not sound like the most exciting summer activity, but it’s a game-changer. The more you read, the better you write, think, and analyze information.

Some ideas to build your reading list:

- Pick books related to your intended major
- Read memoirs of people you admire
- Dive into classics or bestsellers
- Explore thought-provoking non-fiction

If reading feels like a chore, find books that genuinely interest you. Whether it’s historical fiction, self-improvement, or fantasy, just reading consistently will improve your communication skills.

9. Visit College Campuses

If you’re unsure where you want to apply, visiting colleges can provide clarity. Seeing campuses in person helps you gauge the atmosphere and decide if a school is the right fit.

What to do during a campus visit:

- Take an official tour
- Sit in on a class (if allowed)
- Talk to current students about their experiences
- Explore the surrounding area

If travel isn't an option, virtual college tours are a great alternative! Many schools offer interactive online tours that give you a feel for campus life.

10. Work on Your College Essays and Applications

Starting your college applications early can relieve so much stress during senior year. Many students wait until the last minute, but getting a head start will give you time to craft thoughtful, compelling essays.

How to get started:

- Brainstorm essay topics based on your life experiences
- Write a rough draft of your personal statement
- Gather recommendation letters
- Research scholarship opportunities

Even if you just outline your essays, you’ll be in great shape when application season rolls around.

Final Thoughts

Summer is the perfect opportunity to grow, learn, and prepare for your future without the pressure of schoolwork. Whether you're interning, volunteering, taking courses, or pursuing a passion project, every effort you make now will pay off when it's time to apply to college.

But don’t forget—balance is key. While it’s great to be productive, make sure you also take time to relax, hang out with friends, and recharge. After all, these are your high school years—make them count!