It's the summer, what to do... what to do...
As a former admissions officer, I've spent lots of time talking to students about their summer plans. Some students (or their parents) seek out and attend elaborate, expensive, community service-based trips to foreign countries. Some students take college level courses in hopes of increasing their chances of getting into the university of their choice. Other students get jobs to help cover their expenses and those of their families. Others still, spend the summer relaxing, working here and there and generally recovering from the pressures of junior year.
Each of these summers has its benefits and drawbacks, but keep in mind one thing. It is true that the way you spend your summer may have an impact on how your overall application is perceived. It is not true, however, that there is one best way to spend your summer months. Admissions officers are looking to see that you're productive (defined broadly) and that you have good reasons for doing whatever you choose to do. Follow your passions, be responsible, take thoughtful risks, and do what you love. The summer gives you some freedom, can't blame an admissions officer for wanting to know what you do with it.
|
Posted on June 14, 2007 under Advice |
|
Comments (2)
Hello,
What should someone like me do. I have about 6 summer projects to work on this summer for various science courses and so on. I have a part-time job, volunteer and the local library with the youngsters, and it doesn't give me much opportunity to go to various camps, even the ones pertinent to what I will want to major in.
Posted on June 16, 2007 7:37 AM
Christopher, I just finished my senior year and I'm going to the college of my choice. Every summer during my high school years, I volunteered at my church during Vacation Bible School for the elementary kids and that was pretty much it. (But I was a teacher for the two-years olds every Wednesday for about a year and a half and I did other stuff throughout the year). I think the biggest thing is to first know what your responsibilities are (I was expected to watch my little sister while my parents were at work and then I had a part-time job) and then to choose those things you ACTUALLY ENJOY doing and work around your responsibilities. I'm NOT an expert on college admissions, but I think an important thing to consider when deciding on your extra activities and community service is PERSONAL INTEREST. Stop trying to guess what colleges want to see - they want to see YOU. They want to see you in EVERY ASPECT of your application.
Posted on June 16, 2007 11:45 AM