College Counseling - Summer Ideas

Summer Ideas

School is almost out and you really don't have any plans? Summer can be a great time to do some thinking and planning for the school year ahead. Think about your hopes and dreams for the future. What activities or academic subjects excite you? What talents do you hope to make the most of?

Here are a few ideas that may help "kick-start" the summer for you to try out new things, help out your community, or explore new interests.

1. Take a class: High schools and colleges all over the country offer summer courses for high school students. You can brush up on a subject you are having trouble with or take a more advanced course in an area that interests you.

2. Travel: Whether it is a family vacation or an abroad program for high school students, it is fun and educational way to spend a few days or months out of the summer.

3. Get a job: Summer is a great time to make a little spending money and also to get experience in the working world for your future. If you are thinking about becoming a lawyer, try to find a job at a law firm.

4. Visit colleges: The summer can be a great time to make preliminary college visits. Don't expect to get a good sense of the student body, since many colleges don't have a summer program. But, you are able to take a tour of the campus and have an interview.

5. Volunteer: Summer vacation gives you the time to volunteer for a local organization or cause that is important to you.

6. Read: Don't let your brain get lazy over the summer. Go to the library or the bookstore and READ, READ, READ.

7. Be creative: Write a book, paint, learn how to rock-climb. Be adventurous.

Resources that may help you find your summer niche. . .

Guide to Summer Camps and Summer Schools: 2002-2203. Porter Sargent Publishers. 2003

Summer Opportunities for Kids and Teenagers. Peterson's. Thomas Learning. 2003

Summer Study Abroad. Peterson's. Thomas Learning, 2002