As the school year winds down and summer grows nearer, the level of excitement rises. Most students anticipate to relax the summer away next to the pool. However, summer is the perfect opportunity to stand out in the eyes of colleges. Instead of relaxing the summer away, you can bolster your resume and get ahead of your competition. These are five key ways that will boost chances of admission, improve a resume, and raise test scores.
1) SAT / ACT Prep Classes
It is wise to take SAT or ACT Prep classes during the summer of your senior year. Programs like the Princeton Review and Kaplan are guaranteed to raise your score. Additionally, the strategies learned in these prep classes can be applied to any type of test, such as time management, elimination of answer choices, and essay skills. It is essential to earn the best grades possible during senior year, as colleges take into account your final year of high school. Before taking the SAT and the ACT, it is in your best interest to take several practice tests to know which subject(s) you need to improve on. After taking the tests, research what score range is needed to be accepted to a certain college.
2) Job
Jobs are especially important for your college application, in addition to your wallet. By getting a job, it is possible to learn essential life skills such as how multitask and be responsible. Having a summer job, such as a waiter, cashier, or sales clerk on your resume also shows future employers that you have had prior work experience. A job also shows colleges that you are responsible and capable enough to handle being an adult. The money earned from a job can be saved to use towards your college expenses, such as tuition or dorm costs.
3) Volunteering
While focusing on having a stellar academic record, colleges also like to see a well-rounded student. Volunteering at a local dog shelter or at a hospital demonstrates a humanitarian side of your personality. Ultimately, colleges aren’t looking for geniuses only focused on academics; colleges want to admit people who have the intelligence and the drive to make a difference in the world. By volunteering, you can also gain exposure to different career pathways.
4) Internship
Getting an internship is the most infallible factor when looking to boost your chances of admission. When searching for an internship, choose a field that interests you. An internship is a slight window into what a specific major is like and even a possible career. In contrast to being intriguing, an internship can also defer you from a certain career path and saves time and money when choosing a college major. An internship strengthens a resume by showing the colleges or future employers that you have the capability of entering the professional world at a young age. An internship is not something that most students have and will aid you in standing out in a sea of thousands of college applications.
5) Scholarships
Applying for scholarships is an easy way to avoid paying the full price for college tuition. As soon as your junior year ends, you are able to apply for scholarships as a senior. There are thousands of scholarships available - all it takes is time and patience to look through them all. Most scholarships require an essay in order to apply. Writing several essays during summer is a simple way to save time during the fall and allows more time for edits.
These are five foolproof ways to get into college. However, you don’t have to engage in them all. Colleges want students who clearly have an idea about their future career and who have a solid grasp of their personality. Finding the right balance between working hard and having fun is essential. Admission into the college of your dreams is only five simple steps away.