High school summer activities might prove to be the crucial component that pushes your application to the “yes” admissions pile.
While colleges want to see stellar grades and consistent extracurriculars during the school year, they also want to see that you engage with your hobbies and interests even during the breaks. Your summer activities will ideally showcase that you have genuine commitment and passion for your pursuits, above and beyond what is asked of you.
Were you so interested in chess, that you spent the entire summer analyzing different strategies and practicing with your grandfather? Perhaps you noticed a lot of stray animals in your neighbourhood, so you decided to volunteer at the local animal shelter. Maybe your favourite teacher recommended some cool books, and you decided to do an online course on that topic.
In a nutshell, Ivy League colleges want to see what you choose to do during your free time. Beyond just smart students in the classroom, they want active and enthusiastic students who will contribute to their college community. They are not just looking for someone who will score an “A” in Introduction to Computer Science, but also for someone who will develop an app or represent the school at cyber security competitions. They want someone who will create and edit a college zine, or stage a new theatre performance show.
The summer activities are your chance to prove that you will make that meaningful contribution to their campus. Here at Prep Zone, we advise you on how to select and think about your summer activities, as well as on how to incorporate them into a meaningful story when writing your application essays.