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Summer is fast approaching, and with it comes many questions from our clients about how students should be using their time most constructively during the summer in order to achieve their college goals.
Admissions officers are fully aware that the school year is a very busy time filled with normal academic requirements, homework, and sports. But they also know that summer is a completely different story—a three-month stretch when video games and pool parties can be the most pressing concerns of the day. Of course summer should include some fun and relaxation, but at Elite Academics, we don’t want to see students waste the opportunity presented by all of this free time.
So our #1 recommendation to sophomore and junior high school students who are beginning to plan their summers? Get a job!
Most college applications will include sections asking about extracurriculars, community service, and work experience. All too often, we work with students who have to leave that last category completely blank. These are smart, hardworking kids who have been busy with school, sports, and other commitments. But we believe that job experience is an important element of a successful college application (and a good experience for life in general, too!) and should be made a priority.
Considerations for Choosing a Summer Job
- Don’t be afraid of the “dirty jobs” that build character. In fact, many admissions officers are impressed by students who are willing to work at a movie theater, in food service, or in construction. Plus, there will probably be plenty of time later in life to work in an air-conditioned office.
- Related to the above—a summer job DOES NOT have to be related to a student’s planned major or career path. What colleges really want to see is a strong work ethic, commitment, and consistency.
- We recommend that students not work for their parents. Part of the character-building nature of a summer job is having to go through an application process, being required to show up even when you don’t want to (when all of your friends are at the pool or playing video games), and learning to deal with a boss. Though there are exceptions, working for a parent usually doesn’t provide these experiences.
- Babysitting doesn’t really count. It looks much better to work for an actual company that will require regular hours and provide a regular paycheck to go with it.
- Internships are fine, though not necessarily better than the aforementioned “dirty jobs.” We don’t believe that high school students need to be doing business internships if they plan on being business majors. So if you have a great opportunity for an interesting internship, great. But otherwise, it’s just as helpful to go find a job at your local mall.
- Don’t know where to start with the job hunt? The Denver Office of Economic Development has some good resources for young job seekers, or check out the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt.
- Act fast! Many jobs are already hiring for the summer, so students need to be applying ASAP.
What About Community Service?
We also highly recommend that high school students (particularly sophomores and juniors, but this is definitely a great thing to start as a freshman, too) engage in community service in the summer.
- As with a summer job, community service does not have to fit with a student’s academic interest or career plans. That is, no need to volunteer at a hospital because you’re planning on being pre-med.
- Consistency is key. Think hours per week and weeks per year rather than large chunks of hours at one time. That is, it’s better to volunteer for one hour a week at the local nursing home than 16 hours over the course of a weekend on a Habitat for Humanity project.
- As with summer jobs, community service positions can fill up fast, so start contacting organizations now to see if they need help for the summer.
Ultimately, our advice is to use your extra time well during the summer. And don’t worry—there will still be time for the pool.
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The Elite Academics Guide to Summer Vacation will continue through the month of May. Stay tuned for tips on taking college courses over the summer (for graduating seniors) and when to take the ACT/SAT (for incoming juniors).