Exactly how important are these in terms of college admission, and what should one be doing during the summer? Other than doing summer school for the rest of the P.E. credit I need I don’t really have anything planned other than babysitting some cousins for a few weeks. What things could I still do this summer, as well as the next few, that would be appropriate?
I mean, whatever interests you. Work, sport, volunteering, taking classes, travel, research project, etc.
Next year all I really have planned is summer school again, a normal summer job(just some store), and probably a few college tours.
Bump
Sign up for a class at a community college. You can get college credit for the classes and it looks pretty good also. Or you could find an internship of some sort and then have a regular minimum wage job on the side.
It’s not majorly important like you won’t get rejected over it or anything, but colleges would like to see that you haven’t just sat around and played video games all summer. Having a summer job and summer school (is this just due to PE credit or are you failing courses?) sounds like a good plan. Sometimes, you can also continue an EC like being involved with volunteering or a position in some type of organization (say like Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts) or continuing a sport.
If you are attending a state school, it matters very little. It’s only important for the more selective schools where admissions is competitive and your summer activities might differentiate you from other kids with the same grades, test scores, and class rank.
But more importantly, summers are an opportunity to learn some new skills, explore an area of interest, earn some bucks, expand your horizons, meet people you wouldn’t otherwise, etc…And colleges like to see people make the most of their opportunities. Babysitting for family is certainly legit - make sure you mention it as a job (even if it’s unpaid) if it keeps you from doing other things. Then look around for opportunities to stretch yourself. People have suggested lots of good possibilities.
Thanks to all, and yes, the summer school is for finishing the other half of P.E. I did last summer. Future summers will be dealing with fine art credits.
I’m feeling a lot better about the whole topic and have gotten many excellent answers. Honestly my questions have been answered and this thread is as good as done(however anyone else can certainly add if they wish)
Thanks 