Summer opportunities
A common question my clients and my families ask me about the summer is this: "When it comes to college admissions, would it be better for me to look for an internship, find a job, or work at a summer camp?"
My answer is yes. Yes to any and all of the above. These are all excellent opportunities for young people. If you are a high school student interested in pursuing a degree in nursing, for example, it might make sense to look for volunteering or interning opportunities at a local hospital or nursing home. This would have the benefit of helping you decide whether or not you might actually enjoy nursing as a career, and it would signal to colleges that you are sincere and committed to pursing this area of interest.
But maybe you and your family need for you to bring in some income. In this scenario, it might make more sense for you to look for paid work. You could pursue something that aligns with your intended field of study in college, but this isn't completely necessary. It's also perfectly fine to work as a barista at a coffee shop with some of your friends, or sell popcorn at your local movie theater so you can sneak into last-night screenings after your shift. Colleges will look upon your paid work favorably, as it shows initiative and a sense of responsibility that will help you succeed in college.
Working as a camp counselor, guide, or trip leader can also be great. These are usually opportunities to get outside during the summer, work with other people your age, and engage in a lot of physical activity. Some of my own favorite summer experiences involve guiding multi-week canoeing and backpacking trips. The pay might be middling, but you generally have your meals and lodging paid for.
Contrary to some conventional wisdom indicating otherwise, most colleges do not value one type of summer experience over another, and they won't penalize you if your city or region lacks certain kinds of opportunities that exist elsewhere. Take advantage of what's out there, and do your best at it!
If you'd like to learn more about summer opportunities, internships, college applications, paying for college, and more, use the contact form on my website to reach out!
