I am a tenth grade student, and I was wondering what you guys would recommend is the best way to spend the summer leading up to eleventh grade.
I did apply to some prestigious summer camps, but since they are very competitive and mostly select current juniors, I know I have low chances of getting in.
I know that it will depend on the person, but what did you guys do, or how would you spend this summer?
One thing I know I have to do is study ahead for classes since I am taking many difficult classes next year.
I’m huge on kids having a part time job! I think it teaches responsibility in a way that school just can’t. In school, it’s my job as a teacher to pull the best out of you. But if you’re my employee, it’s up to you to bring your best.
If you’re in 10th grade, you’re probably either 15 or 16. To be honest, it’s easier if you’re 16, but that just means you may have to work a bit harder to find something if you’re not.
Try looking at snagajob.com Use something like “jobs for 15 year olds” in the search bar. It’s a legit site, and will pull up part time jobs in your area.
Come up with a resume-- list the things you’ve accomplished at school, what your future goals are.
Then write a cover letter. Explain that you’re a sophomore at XX high school and are looking for a part time job. I would hesitate to call it a “summer job” unless it’s at a pool. Employers don’t want to go to the trouble of training an employee who will leave on Labor Day. There’s no reason why you couldn’t work part time during the school year.
As to types of jobs, here’s where my kids have had luck:
My son worked for a local dog boarder from the summer after 8th grade until he was 16. He walked, fed, cleaned up, and played with the dogs.
Once he turned 16, he got a job in a local supermarket. He worked in the diary department, rotating the stock and keeping the area clean.
Both of my daughters work at a local Italian Ices stand, and have since the summer after freshman year.
It would help to know your area of interests. Are you a computer kid interested in coding, etc? Look up the id:Tech program. There may be a one or two week program at a college campus near you. Reasonably priced. You could couple with a part-time job. Into the Environment? Depending on where you live, there may be one or two week programs you can attend where you’ll learn. In NY state, for example, DEC runs environmental summer camps. Cost in only $350. My kids went for 3 years and loved it. Again, something like this could be coupled with a summer gig. Research your area of interest and see if you can find an inexpensive (or free!) online course and take it. Volunteer. If you take a family vacation that’s near a college you might be interested in, go take a tour. This is also a good summer to get a sense of what kind of college you like: big vs. small, urban vs. rural, etc. Most of all, relax! You’ve got a busy two years ahead of you!
Colleges like you to do something productive over the summer.
This can include:
Working
Babysitting siblings
Attending a Camp
Taking a class
Volunteering
Summer jobs are a great thing…you get a lower risk chance to get a feel for the working world.
When you get your first job, employers want to see that you have worked and perhaps contact a reference from that employer.
You can learn that on time really means on time. That no you can’t look at your phone during work.
You can also learn what kind of bosses you like/don’t like.
My kids worked at local tourists attractions or businesses looking for extra summer help (hotel, cafe, movie theater, deli). Larger organizations typically have more flexibility and ability to swap shifts. We live near an amusement park and lots of local kids work there in the summer.
S worked PT in ice cream shop, but also spent 6-8(?) weeks in a course at a CC watching old movies. The course satisfied hs fine arts course req, his college’s fine arts admission req, and also his college’s GE fine arts req.
Personally, I am going to two summer programs. One is more local, at the University of Miami, while the other is just Harvard Pre-college. Both of these I’m barely paying anything due to financial aid. You mentioned you also applied to some programs, I hope you get in! Most of these are kinda just pay to get in, so they might not always be the best option. Working during the summer or taking courses online and preparing for next year’s courses are always a good option, if not the best option.
Will echo the advice on working part time if possible. Summer is also a great time to get community service hours. One of my sons also went to summer school for two summers in order to get a core class out of the way, allowing him to take an extra elective during the school year. So that’s another possibility.
Start your own business like dog walking, lawn cutting, car washing, website design, manage a local business social media account (Instagram/facebook) volunteer with various organizations, Jobs are good, but there are so any other opportunities. Check the local library, veterans administration, senior centers, ect…Find a passion
Good Luck
I’m a current junior and I split my summer of 2018 between working in a research lab and working a part-time job at a local restaurant. I’m super thankful for both of those opportunities, and would second all the recommendations to get a part-time job. Additionally, studying to get a head start on the SAT or ACT can only help
My daughter worked and the experience provided for an excellent Common App essay. I have no doubt that it helped her get into some of the most selective schools and honors programs. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for further development of your communication, problem solving skills and grit.
My daughter worked as a counselor at a local YMCA camp, downtown. It was tough but she sure learned a lot! She tried waitressing after that, and said it was much easier than dealing with a bunch of kids.
my daughter worked part time at a local public tv studio (the ones that show local city events) doing things like filming and editing. It was a summer only position. She had taken classes there when younger so I’m sure that helped.
