Summer vacation often arrives before you know it. With all of the end-of-year hustle and bustle around school, it can be easy to forget that these last few weeks can actually prove very useful if you take full advantage of all your options. What you need is a student checklist.
Don’t let Spring Fever get the best of you! Use this time to prepare for next year; get a jump start on college prep, try something new or take a closer look at colleges you’re considering.
Whether you’re finishing up your freshman year or will be a senior next fall, here’s how to maximize your time:
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Get Ahead of the Pack
Typically written by a guidance counselor or teacher, the letter of recommendation is a crucial part of the college application, helping the admissions office form a more complete picture of you as an applicant. These references are so important, in fact, that many schools require at least two, and it’s not unheard of to require additional letters for special honors or highly competitive programs.
Think about the teachers who inspire you with their lessons or challenge you to be better. If you had a great experience with a particular teacher, you’re probably not the only one. Try approaching this teacher at the end of junior year to get your request in first. This gives them ample time to think about what to write; it also ensures you’ll have your letter on time should you decide to apply early action in the fall.
Try Something New
As the year comes to a close, theater clubs and music departments in schools across New Jersey are getting ready for their final Spring performances. Dance teams are rehearsing and baseball teams are practicing, with everyone hoping they have a strong finish to the year. Next of the student checklist, expand your horizons this Spring by attending an event you’ve never been to before.
Looking to join a club or pick up an extracurricular activity next year? Seeing your peers in action is a great way to discover new interests. Joining clubs and playing intramural sports are very popular ways to meet new people in college. So of course, getting involved in high school is the perfect way to start.
Take a Closer Look at Colleges
Many colleges and universities host summer-specific events given the extra flexibility students have in their schedules. These include, but are not limited to, open houses and overnight visits. Because these special events allow you to spend more time on campus, they can give you a much better understanding of a school you find interesting.
You can spend the whole day on campus learning about the academic programs, touring buildings, speaking with financial aid and more. Overnight visits let you experience the residence and dining halls first hand. If you have a list of schools you want to apply to, click here to call now to see what options are available this summer.
Maximize Your Summer
Summer is a busy time between part-time jobs, trips to the shore and vacation, but it can also be a great time to get ahead in your academics. Our final item on the student checklist, summer courses. Summer courses offered by New Jersey’s many community colleges can help you get ahead before you even step foot on a college campus. Some 100-level courses, like math or science classes, can even count for early required courses, letting you start off at a more advanced level.
This will give you a boost in your incoming credits, which can afford many benefits, depending on your school. Speaking of summer courses, did you know many high schools offer summer course options as well? Want to knock out geometry so you can move to the next level? Talk to your guidance counselor to see what courses may be available at your school.
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Anthony Muccio is a former college admissions professional and education researcher currently advising students one-on-one with his private practice. After years working at large state and small private schools, he decided to spend time focusing on helping unique learners reach their full potential.