No Rest For The Wicked: How To Spend Your Summer (Part 1)

Taking a fake “break”: Why Summer Classes Might Be The Choice For You

Summer Options Part 1: Classes

Over the next few weeks I will be talking about various options for the summer break. It’s that time of year where you should be thinking about how you’ll spend your time, and be filling out the applications.

There is only one wrong choice when it comes to summer, and that’s sitting around and doing nothing.

There are many ways to increase your strength as an applicant during the summer months, but for today I’m going to focus on Summer Classes

After you take your SAT you will probably have your mail box flooded with all types of offers for educational summer institutes. Some will be from prestigious schools, some offer a pre-college experience, and others from community colleges.

Today I’ll break down 3 common types of summer classes, and give you the pros and cons of each.

Type 1: Community College

Many high school students will continue their education over the summer by enrolling at the local community college for a few classes. This is typically a simple process for introductory level courses.

The Pros: This option is usually affordable. You will get to be home with your family and friends for the summer. You will have extra classes on your transcript when applying to colleges. This option shows drive and that you make your education a priority. These credits might also transfer when you matriculate, which will help you in the long run.

The Cons: This option can get a little boring if you’re not interested in the classes or if you have a bad professor. You will be spending money instead of making it. You will be at home with your family all summer. While extra classes look nice, this is a common choice and doesn’t make you as unique as some other programs.

Type 2: The Prestigious School Summer Program

While I’m not going to name names here, there are many programs offered by prestigious schools that claim to give you the “[Insert University Here] Experience!”

These programs offer the chance to take “classes” at a university with other “highly motivated” students like you. I’m sure you’ve gotten their post-cards in the mail.

The Pros: This will help you prepare for living at college. You will get to live in a dorm with other students your own age. You will get to have the name of the prestigious school on your resume. You might learn something interesting. You will probably have a lot of fun as the classes aren’t too difficult.

The Cons: Please note the "quotes" in the description. These options are usually very expensive. You have to live in a dorm with other high school students who are also unaccustomed to living unsupervised. While you have the name of the school on your resume, these programs are very rarely prestigious at all.* The classes are going to be easy, and you probably won’t get transferable college credit. The prestigious school you’re spending the summer at won’t look at your application more favorably than a person who did a similar summer program anywhere else. These programs exist as a money making tool for the schools.

*There ARE programs that are prestigious. But those ones are usually very difficult to get in to and probably aren’t mass-soliciting you. Look up the acceptance/rejection rates of the programs and ask your teachers.

Type 3: High School Summer School

Summer High School  is offered almost everywhere. Some offer academic classes, and other will offer you some fun electives or activities. Many students I know took drivers ed or a requirement they didn’t want to spend a year on.

Pro:  It is easy to get into (in fact, you probably don’t even need to apply). You will be ahead of the other students in your grade. Your GPA will improve if you take fun or easy classes. You will get more individual attention in academic classes due to fewer students. It is either very cheap, or free. There are no living expenses as you get to live at home.

Con: You might get bored being in your high school all summer. There is no prestige at all, it is simply extra high school. You will be at home all summer.  Your school might not have air conditioning! You will be with the same people you’re with all year. 

Summer Classes are a viable option to many. They can academically challenge you. If you’re living at the school its great practice at independence. And above all, they demonstrate a love of learning to the admissions committees.

There is no reason to waste two months of your time sitting around and relaxing. Making yourself a stronger applicant is easy and can be fun