By Jessica Brondo
Many of you are probably well underway with your summer plans by now, but I definitely have a couple of students I know who have really taken to the beach bum lifestyle. While I am all for a little downtime after a hectic exam season, I’m also a huge proponent of maximizing one’s free time. And there’s no better time than summer to do some pretty awesome things that you’ll not only enjoy, but they’ll also look great on your college applications. Here are 8 great things you can do this summer (ASIDE from working on your tan 
1. Get Out(side) and Volunteer
~Most students don’t have enough community service on their activity sheets and it is definitely one of the top things colleges are looking for in their applicants. Summer is a great time to pack in a LOT of hours and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be inside candy-striping at a hospital (although that is a great option for any of you pre-Meds out there). If the thought of being inside when the sun is shining makes you cringe, think about outdoor volunteer options. Anything dealing with beach/park clean-ups or building houses/playgrounds/community gardens will definitely get you outside. If it’s kids you love, try volunteering for a camp for disabled children or become a “buddy” for a special needs child at a mixed camp. Not only will you probably have a great time, but you will feel SO good about what you’re doing every day (and will have a pretty sweet tan by the end of the summer).
2. Read something for fun
~I know this sounds crazy considering the proliferation of sparknotes, cliffs notes, and other tricks to minimize the amount you need to read over the summer, but you might actually find reading enjoyable when you’re reading something that interested you (CRAZY!). If you’re a sports junkie, read a biography of one of the greats. If you’re a sucker for sappy love stories, read the newest chick lit book on the best seller list. Think about what kind of movies you like and go to that section in the bookstore and I’m SURE you’ll find something fantastic.
3. Try something NEW!
~I’m sure there are at least 10 things you’re dying to try/learn how to do, and what better time to test ‘em out than the summer. Whether you’ve always dreamt of being a surfer, or want to get more flexible in yoga, or want to try your hand at cooking or painting, there’s no better time than the present. Get out there find a class or take some lessons, and who knows you might just discover your new passion (AND will probably have a great college essay topic in the process).
4. Get a Job
~You might think that searching hot dogs at the snack bar or landscaping or waiting tables would add NOTHING to your college resume, but THINK AGAIN. I can’t stress enough how important JOBS are on your resume, however menial you might think they are. Colleges love to see students working and earning money and think that it definitely adds to their characters.
5. Take a college level class
~If you really want to showcase your spirit for learning, or get a sense of what college is actually like, you might want to participate in one of the summer programs at a college. You can take classes in any number of subjects and can even do pre-Med/pre-Law type classes as well. It’s nice to get a feel for what you’re in for for the four years after college.
6. Learn a language
~If you’re really into learning languages, you might want to shoot for an immersion program and stay with a family in a different country. Not only will you REALLY improve your language skills, but you’ll also be exposed to a totally new culture in the process (and will make some international friends to visit down the road!).
7. Focus on your sport
~If you’re even remotely considering playing a sport in college, then you should most definitely be playing (a TON) over the summer. Whether it’s private coaching, tournaments, showcases, camps, workouts, or travel teams, you should really be devoting a ton of time to improving your skills over the summer so that the coaches know exactly who you are come recruiting season.
8. REALX!
~Don’t ever feel guilty about having some downtime to really relax and regroup. Students’ schedules are jam-packed during the year, so you should really try to build in some time for R&R and catching up with your family and friends.
Here’s to a fantastic summer! What are some of your plans?
