Already feeling bored this summer? Are you wondering about the best way to spend your extra free time this summer? We’re back with five more excellent recommendations for enriching activities to do this summer!
Give back to the community
Post-secondary institutions are interested in students’ engagement both within and outside of their schools. They want to know that applicants are giving back to their communities through charitable work and volunteerism. Our Educational Consultants are happy to share resources to connect students to meaningful volunteer experiences, both locally and abroad. Whether you plan on serving meals at a soup kitchen, cleaning up a beach, or helping children with their literacy skills, there is an opportunity for everyone! Universities are looking for depth in extra-curricular involvement, so we recommend, when possible, dedicating your time consistently to organizations of your choice. Beyond strengthening one’s resume and university application, volunteerism builds character, perseverance, and responsible citizenship. We also encourage our students to engage in volunteer work that complements their intended area(s) of study at college or university, as well as their prospective career pathways. On their applications, students might consider their motivations for volunteering, reflect upon what they have learned through the experience, and how their knowledge might help inspire concrete changes.
Learn how to cook
The summer is an excellent time to visit open-air markets to purchase locally grown produce and food products. In addition to supporting nearby farmers and vendors, we encourage our students to transform those healthy ingredients into something special by testing their culinary skills in the kitchen! Most colleges and universities offer comprehensive meal plans for students living on campus, but cooking is an important skill with benefits that extend well after freshman year. In fact, many students (and their families) get in the habit of “meal prepping” at the start of the week to save themselves some time and effort. Students can take advantage of their downtime by flipping through a cookbook, finding interesting recipes online, or following a video cooking tutorial. Learning how to make meals can be exciting and rewarding, and in college or university, knowing how to cook (and bake!) will surely land you plenty of well-deserved attention!
Take part in enrichment programming
During the summer, many schools and educational organizations facilitate enrichment programming for high school students committed to strengthening their knowledge and applying their skills across a variety of subjects. These engaging, rigorous opportunities invite students to meet and collaborate with like-minded peers and help prepare them for their studies at college or university. Students can take part in Science and Engineering camps, online or in-person courses, case study competitions, coding classes, studio projects, field experiences, internships, business leadership initiatives, and more! In addition to strengthening one’s resume and university supplementary application, these programs may provide a glimpse of a prospective career’s daily roles and responsibilities. Our Educational Consultants are always happy to discuss enrichment opportunities and can share valuable resources and information to find the best fit for students. Some programs, like Shad, require a comprehensive application with which our Educational Consultants and Writing Coaches are happy to assist. Though some of these activities are free of charge for eligible students, many do require payments and, in some cases, a bit of travel, so we recommend reading the fine print—and asking us questions—before applying.
Start thinking about post-secondary plans
It is never too early to start the planning process! We want each of our students to unwind, unplug, recharge, and have fun during the summer, but we also want them to recognize that summer can be a productive time to start considering post-secondary options, particularly for students who will be entering grade 11 or 12 in the fall. Students can start thinking about where they would like to study (i.e., a particular province or region in Canada, a specific school or state in the USA), which program or faculty they would like to explore, and what their must-haves are to enrich their post-secondary experience. During the summer, students, particularly those entering grade 12, can start to prepare for their supplementary applications. Start working on your UBC Personal Profile, practicing oral interview questions, and researching external and international scholarships. For student-athletes, the summer is a great time to connect with coaches to share your academic and athletic profile, the latter of which must include details about your competitions, achievements, scores/times, as well as footage. At Options Solutions, we help students with each step of the process. During the summer, we offer a variety of important workshops designed to help students craft successful applications. Ask us about them!
Travel and visit campuses
Travelling can be one of the most meaningful, transformative experiences of our lives. Whether you plan to travel domestically or internationally, tasting new foods, immersing yourself in diverse cultures, and participating in local practices and traditions are valuable ways of broadening your perspective. With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, during the summer, many of our students (and their families) will travel to destinations around the world, the process of which can help students think about their interests, skills, and plans for post-secondary and beyond. As part of your summer travel plans, we recommend adding campus visits and tours to your itinerary! Most schools are now able to offer guided, in-person tours of colleges and universities, so reserve your spots on the school’s main website. Visiting campuses during the summer is a great way to appreciate a school’s campus and surroundings at a much more leisurely pace. Consider planning a road trip or booking a flight to a province or state where your schools of interest are located. Our Educational Consultants, some of whom were born outside of British Columbia and have studied and/or taught at schools across North America, can help navigate your trip and discuss each school’s unique personality and characteristics!
Please contact us today to ask us how we can inspire students to get the most out of their summers!
