Debunking Myths about Summer & College Admission
Although the hazy days of summer may feel far off, every high school student & their family would benefit from starting to form your summer plans now.
Summers are a wonderful, treasured part of the journey through high school, and they are a key piece of a student’s college application.
Read on for three myths about summer plans and how you can make the most of these golden months in your admissions process –
From the months before 9th grade begins, right up until the start of 12th grade, the way a student spends each summer is a big part of the story they will tell through their application.
Myth #1: Formal Summer Programs are a ‘Leg Up’ for College Admissions.
Though there are tons of programs happening for high school students on college campuses all over the country, these are not top priority for your college admissions readers. These programs are widely varying in rigor and value, and can cost quite a lot of money. Increasingly, college admissions readers look at many of these programs with skepticism. These high cost programs are not necessarily a worthwhile investment of time or the very expensive fees they often involve.
College admissions officers are always looking for ways that students take initiative to be authentic leaders, pursue their interests creatively and passionately, and contribute to their communities. While some programs may be right for some students, admissions officers will be looking to see ways students engage their interests, more than the name of the college tied to the program.
Myth #2: International Service Trips ‘Look Good’ in College Admissions.
In the same vein as paid summer programs, admissions readers are often skeptical about the nature of organized summer travel, service, or ‘mission’ programs to other countries. These can often read to an admissions officer as a stronger indication of a student’s privilege than their character. Instead, admissions officers would prefer to see students making sustained and thoughtful contributions by rolling up their sleeves and giving of their time and energy in their own communities and surrounding areas. If a student can be involved in an effort over several years, or build upon an experience by taking initiative to address a need, this is even more powerful.
Myth #3: Working a Summer Job ‘Doesn’t Count’ in College Admissions
Admissions Officers are interested in seeing evidence that a student has deepened their engagement and leadership in a community that matters to them. Work is a great way to do this. A student’s time spent scooping ice cream, teaching swim lessons, or working on a farm are viewed by admissions officers as part of the story of a student’s character, commitment, and contribution. While you do want to make time to pursue your intellectual interests and topics that connect to potential majors and careers through summer and year-round involvements, don’t discount the good old fashioned summer job as a viable component of a meaningful summer.
There are so many exciting ways a student can make the most of the summer months to build the story of who they are, what they are passionate about, and how they have been contributing to the world around them.
Interested in learning more?
Wednesday January 11th, 2023 6 p.m MT | 8 p.m. ET
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