The Princeton Review
Ahhh, summer. It's a special time, when different rules apply than the rest of the year. You have a say in what you want to do and the options are plentiful. You can get a job, intern, travel, study, or do nothing at all. It's your choice, although we don't recommend the latter option. We encourage you to think of summer as the time to discover and explore your own interests. While some rest and relaxation is important, I’m not talking about beach time here. I’m talking about ways to enrich yourself and build your credentials as a college applicant.
All pre-college students can use the summer to learn, grow, and gain rewarding experiences — things that will boost one's college application. Some activities that you may find rewarding include volunteering, working a job/internship, taking a summer course, and going to a specialized camp (think: computer science camp or music camp). Don’t worry about whether an experience will be the “perfect” one for your college applications. Just find something meaningful to you and dive in. Colleges generally try to build “well rounded” student bodies where each incoming student has demonstrated a commitment to a particular area of interest (e.g., medieval art, volleyball, opera).
Ultimately, it’s the student body that’s “well rounded,” not the student. Don’t be afraid to commit to your passion this summer.
As you start to explore different summer programs, remember that you are choosing how you will spend your summer. The more time you spend upfront on research, the happier you're likely to be in the long run.
Programs can vary widely in cost. Keep in mind that the quoted price is rarely all–inclusive. If cost is an issue, ask if any scholarships are available to students with financial need. Admissions requirements can also vary substantially amongst programs; some programs are quite competitive while others accept students on a first come – first served basis. And, don't forget to consider how a program fits into the rest of your summer; keep in mind other commitments such as family trips and college visits.
Make sure any program you're considering has a mission that matches your own. Ask the program staff and alumni what makes the program special. Also, check out each program's main activities. If you want an experiential program, find out how much time is spent outside of the classroom.