I’m currently a Freshman in high school so this whole college thing is very new to me.
I have a huge question though: How should I spend my summers to prepare for academic success?
This summer, going into Sophomore year, I’m applying to a three-week writing program at Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Only 80 students nationally get accepted into the program so the chances of my admittance is slim. Another choice is an 8-day academic program at Georgetown University. There, I plan to take their Digital Journalism course. I genuinely love writing and am an active member in my school newspaper
Again, I’m not sure what to do. Should I pursue something I love this summer or take other courses (in other subjects besides writing) that will benefit me in the long run?
Look into studying abroad for a summer! 
Most (like pretty much all, I think) applications for this summer have already passed… But look into it for next year! If you have any questions feel free to ask me!
I spend my summers doing things I like such as interning at local political offices. If you don’t like something, don’t spend your summer doing it just because you think it will look good on applications.
In addition, I wouldn’t waste money on those programs that take you overseas to do charity work unless you really want to help others. I think too many people do it thinking it will look good on their applications when it just shows that you have the money to do such things.
How to spend your summer:
HAVE SOME FREAKING FUN!
Like seriously dude, you’re a freshman. You don’t need to “gear up”, and “prepare for academic success” so early. I’m not discouraging you, but seriously. Some things I suggest you do over the summer are…
-pick up some chicks
-top your school’s senior prank like a boss
-go on a vacation
and so forth. It’s great that you’re pursuing these opportunities and It’s great that you have found a passion, but remember, you’re supposed to have fun during your high school years dude. I say this because I’m a junior now and I regret not really doing anything during my summers as a freshman and sophomore. And I can’t get that time back.
In response to this question: “Should I pursue something I love this summer or take other courses (in other subjects besides writing) that will benefit me in the long run?”
You should definitely do things you love because that will benefit you in the long run. Colleges like applicants with passions, if you can show that by pursuing what you like in the summer then when the time comes, you can put that on your CommonApp
Dealing coke…
- Great for that pocket money
- Teaches you great person and inventory management skills
- You'll be able to better relate to both Biggie Smalls and Notorious B.I.G....
Obviously I’m kidding, but try looking for interesting things that make you seem interesting. That’s the overall goal; colleges just want to know what you learned and did over your summers. Going somewhere and sitting around = nothing. However, going out and really doing something…that’s the money.
Step 1: Buy a 24 pack of coke.
Step 2: Get routine customers addicted to it and charge them a lot more than it costs you.
Step 3: Profit.
(Did you know that Warren Buffet used to sell soda door to door?)
Summer programs are great, but there are loads of other kinds of academic enrichment. Read a lot over the summer, learn about a topic you find interesting, take a course if you really want something to show for your time. In any case, you can always learn without going to the big name, often pricey summer programs.
@DigitalKing
Baking Soda…?
Did he have baking soda?
Anyway, sound advice!
Summer courses, so you can gain graduation credits and have a more relaxing school year.
Or you can get a summer job to save money for college and gain work experience?
Don’t worry too much about college, you have lots of time.
@DigitalKing Yeah, that’s what I was thinking, too. Many of the college summer programs I’m applying to are mainly looking to make cash over the summer by persuading high-schoolers their program will benefit them. It costs $50 just to send an application in!
Cocaine confirmed, @optimism129 ?
However, if you’re looking for good/free summer programs, CollegeConfidential has a great subforum all about that.
I’m going to be spending my summers doing online classes, going to summer school to get ahead, and attending debate camps to be prepared for next year.
I think doing community service during the summer is a great way to help out too!
@Apollo11 Thanks! I appreciate your reply!
@Maddie929 That sounds awesome! What grade are you in?
I am in 9th grade!
What I would personally do in your situation:
- Take one or two courses over summer along with
- practicing for any sports you may be in,
- entering for some writing scholarships (■■■■■■■■■■ or fastweb.com),
- write a book!
- (don’t forget to sleep-yes I’m serious- and don’t neglect your friends)
Basically, some of both. Although I would focus on passions, as motivation can, for me, be a big problem during long break periods.
@fromUSA2Russia do you have any suggestions for a program to study abroad from (preferably cheap or something that offers scholarships)? One program I know of is YFU USA, but I like to keep my options open
hi again 
I am also a freshman applied to stanford ( extended admission round and the work sample sucked due to procrastination, so probably not getting in), USC (already admitted and plan on going) and Summer@brown (really wanted to do the leadership institute but didn’t want to sacrifice USC’s program). I admit, those summer programs are not selective not prestigious (compare to undergraduate admissions). However, it will be an awesome experience to get a feel of college life and that particular campus that you are interested in. Also, it will expand your knowledge about a field you are interested in. However, if money is a constrain since these programs are extremely expensive, around 6k-8k for a four week program, then don’t sweat it to attend. But, still do activities that will demonstrate to the college that you have not wasted your summer, online school, volunteer, sports will all be exceptional alternatives. I didn’t do anything last summer either and am new to college admission as well, so any words or advice would be appreciated.