The 10 Best Summer Activities That Impress Colleges

Summer breaks can be productive! In fact, summer is a great time to strengthen your college application!

Participating in summer activities is an excellent way to breathe more life into your application! In this blog, we'll explore the 10 most impressive summer activities for colleges, and why they're important.

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Like other extracurriculars, summer activities can significantly enhance your college application. Admissions officers value passion, leadership, and impact over a long list of superficial activities. Focus on quality, consistency, and meaningful contributions.

Let's take a look at the 10 most impressive summer activities to colleges:

1. Internships: Gain hands-on experience in your career field while building invaluable skills like communication and teamwork.
2. Research Projects: Dive into research that aligns with your interests and showcases your intellectual curiosity.
3. Local Volunteer Work: Commit to long-term community service to demonstrate responsibility and leadership.
4. Summer Learning Programs: Enroll in pre-college courses or specialized programs to explore academic interests.
5. Leadership Roles: Take charge of initiatives like organizing events or managing teams to show initiative.
6. Starting Your Own Project: Create a unique project, such as a capstone project, that reflects your passions and problem-solving abilities.
7. International Service Programs: Volunteer abroad to develop a global perspective and adaptability.
8. Competitions: Participate in academic or creative contests to highlight your skills and dedication.
9. Arts and Performance Projects: Build a portfolio or showcase your talent through performances or exhibitions.
10. Summer Jobs: Traditional jobs, like retail or food service, teach responsibility and workplace skills.

Best Summer Activities That Impress Colleges

1. Internships

Internships show that you're serious about your career path. In fact, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that over 90% of employers prefer hiring candidates with internship experience.

Here are some of the best resources to find an internship:

Getting the Most Out of Your Internship:

• Keep track of completed projects, skills gained, and notable achievements.
• Build connections with professionals in your field.
• Ask to participate in tasks outside your usual responsibilities.
• Start searching for internships early by tapping into your network.

Why Internships Matter:

Internships can give you an edge with admissions officers by:

• Showing commitment to your career goals.
• Proving you can go beyond classroom learning.
• Helping you develop workplace skills like communication and teamwork.
• Expanding your professional network.
• Offering hands-on experience in your chosen field.

While internships help build your professional foundation, exploring other summer activities can further enrich your college application.

2. Student Research Projects

Student research projects show a strong commitment to learning and academic growth. In fact, applicants who demonstrate "notable scholarship or academic creativity" are eight times more likely to gain admission to top universities.

Research can cover a wide range of fields, from STEM to the humanities. Here are some examples from successful college applicants:

How to Find Research Opportunities:

There are several programs designed to help students get involved in research:

• Rising Researchers Program: Provides mentorship and opportunities for publication.
• Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU): Offers stipends, housing, and funding for research.
• PathwaysToScience.org: A searchable database of summer STEM research programs.

Once you secure a research opportunity, focus on presenting your work in a way that highlights your academic strengths.

Tips for Success

• Pick topics that align with your academic interests and goals.
• Keep a record of your process, challenges, and achievements, and look for opportunities to present or publish your findings.
• Build strong connections with mentors who can provide valuable guidance and recommendations.

Engaging in research helps you develop abilities that colleges value, such as:

• Critical thinking and analysis
• Problem-solving techniques
• Technical writing and presentation skills
• Time management and discipline
• Collaboration with mentors and peers

3. Local Volunteer Work

Getting involved in local volunteer work shows a strong commitment to your community, something admissions officers highly value. Studies indicate that long-term, local service tends to carry more weight than short-term overseas projects.

Find volunteer roles that align with your interests. Here's a quick guide:

Matching your interests with your volunteer work not only keeps you engaged but also opens doors to leadership roles.

Volunteering is a great way to showcase leadership and initiative. According to research, 78% of nonprofits say skilled volunteers make their organizations more effective.

Some ways to stand out:

• Lead Projects: Organize food drives or community campaigns.
• Manage Teams: Take charge of volunteer schedules.
• Solve Problems: Create and implement solutions for local challenges.
• Communicate: Build strong connections within the community.

For students passionate about conservation, organizations like The Watershed Institute, New Jersey Audubon, Somerset County Parks Commission, and Sourland Conservancy offer hands-on opportunities.

These roles allow you to develop practical skills while making a real difference. Track your achievements to highlight your contributions in your application.

Keep a record of:

• Hours volunteered
• Project outcomes
• Skills you’ve gained

Focusing on one or two causes that resonate with you can make a bigger impact. Deep involvement in a few areas demonstrates consistency and helps you develop expertise, which admissions officers look for. Plus, it leaves a meaningful mark on your community.

4. Summer Learning Programs

Summer learning programs offer an excellent way to deepen your knowledge and skills while tackling college-level academic challenges. These programs can help set your profile apart by combining practical experience with rigorous coursework.

Many well-known institutions host summer programs that blend academic intensity with real-world application. Here are some examples:

How to Choose the Right Program

Consider these factors when deciding on a summer program:

• Practical Experience: Look for programs like MIT Launch that provide opportunities to apply skills in a real-world setting.
• Academic Rigor: Programs with college-level coursework, such as Harvard's, show you're ready to tackle challenging academics and maintaining the high GPA these schools require,
• Career Exploration: Programs like the National Student Leadership Conference at institutions such as Harvard Medical School or Georgia Tech allow you to explore career paths while building leadership skills.

For those interested in specialized studies, options like the Great Books Summer Program focus on literature and philosophy through intensive sessions at campuses like Stanford and Amherst. This type of program can help your application stand out.

The Davidson Summer Programs at the University of Nevada, Reno, combine challenging academic content with interactive, hands-on activities.

Participating in programs that offer college credits can also highlight your initiative and ability to handle advanced coursework.

5. Student Leadership Roles

Taking on leadership roles during the summer can make your application stand out by showing initiative, responsibility, and the ability to create change.

These roles, alongside internships and research projects, highlight your proactive approach and complement your academic and volunteer efforts.

To get the most out of your leadership experiences, focus on:

• Meaningful Contributions: Pick roles that align with your interests and allow you to make a real difference.
• Quantifiable Results: Track your achievements, like participation rates or resources handled.
• Long-Term Involvement: Stick with roles where you can take on more responsibility over time.

Colleges value leadership experiences that demonstrate key traits, such as:

• Communication: Running team meetings, presenting ideas, or coordinating events.
• Problem-solving: Tackling challenges and finding effective solutions.
• Project Management: Delegating tasks, organizing resources, and meeting deadlines.
• Emotional Intelligence: Navigating team dynamics and resolving conflicts.

Choose roles that allow you to make an impact while building skills that will serve you well in college and beyond.

6. Starting Your Own Project

Starting your own project is a great way to show initiative and problem-solving abilities that stand out to college admissions officers.

It builds on your experiences in internships and leadership roles while maintaining your ability to work independently and tackle challenges on your own.

Make sure to record every step of your project, including the process, results, challenges you faced, and feedback from others.

For example, a theater diversity project that blends research and creativity by combining written reports with a documentary. This approach highlighted a range of skills while addressing a meaningful social issue.

The most impactful projects come from genuine curiosity and passion. These efforts will not only show leadership and independence but also add a unique edge to your summer portfolio.

7. International Service Programs

International service programs offer a chance to step out of your comfort zone, explore new cultures, and make a meaningful impact beyond your local community. They highlight qualities like initiative, independence, and a global perspective.

When selecting an international service program, keep these factors in mind:

• Community Focus: Choose organizations with strong local partnerships that address the host community’s needs.
• Skill Alignment: Pick projects where your skills can make a real difference.
• Cultural Awareness: Look for programs that provide cultural orientation and language support.
• Safety First: Ensure the program has reliable safety measures and in-country support.

To make the most of your international service and strengthen your college application:

• Keep a journal to reflect on your experiences.
• Learn basic phrases in the local language before you go.
• Connect with past volunteers for tips and advice.
• Research the culture and customs of your destination.
• Set clear personal or professional goals for your time abroad.

Before you leave, consult your program coordinator for travel details and visit a travel clinic 6–8 weeks in advance for any required immunizations.

8. Subject-Based Competitions

Participating in academic competitions during the summer can highlight your dedication to learning and academic achievement.

These contests are a great way to demonstrate your skills and passion for specific subjects.

These competitions go beyond winning awards - they can help students stand out. What Admissions Officers Look For

Top universities, like Harvard, often value participation in academic competitions when reviewing applications.

Summer is a perfect time to gear up for these competitions. Consider these strategies:

• Start early with research and preparation.
• Seek guidance from mentors.
• Join study groups to collaborate with peers.
• Manage your time effectively.
• Choose competitions that align with your academic goals.

Organizations like DECA, which is endorsed by the Department of Education and all 50 states, provide opportunities for over 200,000 members to develop their skills. Such involvement can also add depth to your college application.

9. Arts and Performance Projects

Summer is an ideal time to hone your artistic skills and showcase them in ways that strengthen your college application.

Whether you're passionate about painting, music, theater, or other creative areas, showing commitment to your craft can help you stand out to admissions officers.

When developing your portfolio, focus on quality over quantity. Choose 10-15 of your best pieces that highlight your technical abilities and creative vision.

With these essentials in place, you can focus on summer activities that enhance your portfolio and skills.

Summer Arts Opportunities to Explore:

Structured Programs

• Enroll in well-known summer arts programs.
• Take specialized workshops to refine technical skills.
• Attend master classes led by established artists.

Independent Projects

• Develop a themed collection of work, document your process in a creative journal, and create a digital portfolio.

Community Involvement

• Volunteer at local museums or galleries.
• Mentor younger artists through community programs.
• Organize an art exhibition or performance.

Use these strategies to make your portfolio stand out:

• Show Progress: Include pieces that highlight your artistic growth and development over time. Admissions officers appreciate seeing your journey as an artist.
• Share Your Story: Let your portfolio reflect your unique perspective and creative process. Include work that demonstrates problem-solving and conceptual thinking.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Make sure your portfolio shows strong fundamentals in your chosen medium. Colleges look for both technical ability and originality.

Only submit your portfolio if your work has been validated through respected programs, awards, or expert feedback.

Examples include participating in all-state honors programs or having your work showcased at notable festivals.

For highly competitive programs, your portfolio should do more than display technical expertise. It should also show how your art aligns with the college's values and how you can contribute to its creative community.

10. Summer Jobs and Work Experience

Prestigious internships and academic programs often steal the spotlight, but don't underestimate the power of traditional summer jobs.

These roles can showcase skills and character traits that colleges value highly. Combined with internships, research, or volunteer work, they provide a well-rounded picture of how everyday experiences shape essential skills.

Summer jobs do more than fill resumes - they help you build a professional network, refine workplace communication, and understand expectations in a professional setting. They can also lead to recommendation letters.

Keep a record of your accomplishments, specific tasks, and moments that highlight your problem-solving or leadership abilities. This documentation will be a valuable resource when you’re crafting your college application, helping you provide detailed examples of your growth and skills.

Final Thoughts

Don't forget that the right summer activity depends on the college you're aiming for. Choose with your skills and passions in mind, and consider the amount of time you're willing to dedicate to your summer activity.

Working with our expert strategists is an excellent way to make sure your application is as close to perfect as possible. Students working with Crimson are 7 times more likely to gain admission to their dream university.