Have your summer plans been cancelled? We suggest that you reinvent your time meaningfully and show yourself as someone who demonstrates real grit when things get tough. Here are some suggestions how to still have a positive and productive summer:
- Consider taking a class online via a reputable program. Many programs like Stanford Online High School and Laurel Springs School allow you to take one class at a time, on your own schedule. In addition, look for local community college or university classes online such as UCLA Summer Courses. Colleges allow you to submit these additional transcripts apart from your primary high school transcript.
- Show your intellectual curiosity. Many colleges’ high school summer programs like Johns Hopkins are now offering online versions and have extended application deadlines
- Looking for free courses? Checkout offerings from Coursera and edX to dig more deeply into subjects that interest you.
- Have you thought about learning a language? Online programs like Language Bird provide language programs for credit.
- Volunteer with existing organizations that are helping people affected by COVID19. Look for ways to volunteer with your existing community service organizations.
- Consider starting a blog about something that interests you, or launching a charity or website online.
- Do you have a hobby? If you are an artist, consider putting together a portfolio of your work. If you are a writer, there are so many ways to self-publish these days, consider writing a book. It is so easy to create an instagram account displaying your masterpieces. If you are doing something that is verifiable, verify it for college admissions purposes.
- You might consider starting your college applications. Generally, new applications are released mid to late summer, but the essay prompts on the Common Application will remain the same as in previous years. Also, universities like when applicants are specific about why they wish to attend their school, so your time will be well-spent researching the colleges on your list, including specific classes you would take and activities in which you would participate. You might also consider reaching out to admissions officers or professors who teach in your areas of interest with specific questions.
- Begin to compile your activities list. Hard to believe, but it is difficult to remember and record all the things in which you have participated and reduce them to a few words. The College Essay Guy offers detailed instructions on how best to write your activities list.
- Look for a Job. Admissions officers highly value students who work. Perhaps now is a good time to update your resume and prepare to look for a job for late summer or fall (assuming it is safe). Websites like ziprecruiter.com, snagajob.com, indeed.com, neuvoo.com, and https://www.recruit.net might be the perfect virtual resources to help you begin your job search.
Most importantly, try and do something; something that keeps you on your path, occupied, and moving forward. The upside of being cancelled is that you can use this time to regroup and make time and space for your future endeavors.
