MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR RISING SENIOR SUMMER
By CollegeFind
You’ve done it—you’ve completed your junior year of high school, the so-called “hardest” year. And while it is important to take time to celebrate, relax, and unwind during the summer, it is also the perfect time to add something intentional to your résumé. The summer between your junior and senior years of high school presents perhaps your last opportunity to make yourself an even more competitive applicant. Here’s how:
Check out pre-college programs.
Whether for credit or not, your rising senior summer is the perfect time to check out any pre-college programs at community colleges or universities in your area (or online!). And with applications for summer programs opening in December and January with some deadlines in early spring, it’s never too soon to start planning. These programs can be week-long camps geared toward high school students, or they may be actual college courses. Either way, they will give you great exposure to college-level work and life on a college campus if you attend in person.
Think about the types of majors you are interested in and see if any programs align with these areas. This can be especially beneficial if you are applying to a competitive program where you need to set yourself apart (think business, nursing, architecture)—sustained interest in that area is essential for your applications.
No pre-college programs available to you? Find an internship. If college programs are not accessible to you, see if any local businesses or organizations are willing and able to take on an intern. Again, think in terms of your intended area of study. Are you a lover of literature? Maybe there is a local press with internship opportunities. Interested in STEM? Biotech companies may have opportunities for high school students. Internships are a fabulous way to see your academic interests in action in “the real world” in addition to demonstrating initiative that colleges will appreciate.
No internships? Shadow or volunteer. Internships sometimes require time and resources that companies may not have, but if you’re not finding internship opportunities near you, don’t worry! These organizations just might be open to providing some shadowing time. As the name would suggest, a shadowing opportunity would allow you to closely follow a professional working in your area of interest for a short period of time. You’ll get to see what their day-to-day schedule looks like and, similar to an internship, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what your intended area of study would look like beyond graduation.
Similar to shadowing in terms of time commitment and vibe, volunteering can be a great way to show involvement in a particular area and get that real-world exposure. Is Nursing your dream program? Volunteering at a local free clinic might just be the thing to set you apart from other applicants.
If it doesn’t exist, create it. Do you love computers and want to study Information Technology in college? Consider starting your own tech support business in your neighborhood. Did you ace middle school science? There is always a need for tutors. Are you interested in filmmaking and looking to build your portfolio? Athletes at your local high school will need film! This is a perfect opportunity to hone your skills and build that portfolio. Plus, colleges will love the moxie.
Use your support system. It is often less about what you know, and more about whoyou know, so talk to your parents, teachers, or school guidance counselor to see if they can connect you with any opportunities.
