As summer approaches and the school year comes to an end, students face the task of making plans for the break. While lying by the pool and hanging out with friends are completely valid ways to spend time, here are some ideas to fill the gaps with meaningful activities that will help students discover new passions and stand out to college admissions officers.
Summer Programs
Summer programs are a great way for students to explore their interests in a given subject. Many colleges offer summer programs on subjects ranging from finance to neuroscience to niche topics like ethical hacking and fashion design. These programs can help express a student’s interest in a particular university while providing hands-on experience. They may also offer a taste of independence by allowing students to live on a college campus.
Many summer programs are highly selective and require detailed applications, so students should look on the university’s website before applying to ensure they understand the expectations and time commitment.
Pascack Hills senior JT Richman, who is committed to the University of Florida, shared his experience with a summer program saying, “In my summer research program, Pioneer Academics, I learned about neurological disorders and enjoyed developing my research skills. This experience was incredibly valuable, solidifying my passion for the brain and helping me prepare for a future career in medicine.”
Internships & Shadowing
Internships and shadowing are other effective ways to demonstrate interest in a subject area. They can usually be found through platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed where recruiters can post positions and students can fill out applications for the role. While many high school internships are often unpaid, there are some that offer monetary compensation for the work performed; however, the experience often is more valuable than any money a student receives.
Shadowing offers a similar benefit but focuses on directly observing a professional in the field you hope to pursue. While these opportunities don’t always have formal application processes, students can find them by reaching out directly to local businesses, using school counselor resources, or asking family and friends if they know professionals in a desired field.
Pascack Hills senior Allie Cohen, who is committed to the University of Southern California, recalled her summer internship with the organization StandWithUs. “I had the opportunity to participate in the Kenneth Leventhal internship program where I deepened my understanding of international relations, Judaism, and advocacy. I collaborated with like-minded high school students where I learned more about my Jewish heritage and how to effectively voice my opinions on complex issues.”
Community Service & Volunteering
Service and volunteering are excellent ways for students to dedicate time to initiatives that work to make the world a better place. Common service opportunities for high school students include volunteering with a charity or retirement home, tutoring younger students, or coaching youth sports teams in their community. Not only are these opportunities rewarding, but they also show one’s dedication to helping others, a trait that admissions officers look for in students applying to their college. They want someone who doesn’t just invest in themselves, but invests in those around them too.
Pascack Hills junior Adriana DiLoreto reflects on her time volunteering at Valley Hospital over the summer. “During my volunteer experience at Valley Hospital over the summer, I enjoyed building meaningful connections with patients while gaining valuable insight from the nurses and healthcare professionals around me.”
Passion Projects
Passion projects are personal, self-led initiatives that are perfect to start in the summer because they require a significant time commitment. These projects combine a student’s personal interests with a desire to address an issue in their community, such as starting a small business, launching a podcast, or building a mobile app. If these projects make a tangible impact, they look very impressive on a college application because they show an applicant’s self-motivation, ability to think critically, and potential as a problem solver. Starting something from scratch is no easy feat, so if students want to start a passion project, it is important that they are fully committed to the work they are doing.
Pascack Hills junior Allison Colla started a passion project this year called Spray Safe, which focuses on community health. “Inspired by overdose prevention efforts, I created the initiative to address gaps in opioid education and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction,” Colla said.
“Through partnerships with local organizations, I distributed 150 naloxone kits, helped secure more than 100 fentanyl test strips, and trained over 70 lifeguards in overdose response. By bringing harm reduction education into community spaces, the project has empowered hundreds of people with the knowledge and resources to potentially save lives.”
Ultimately, summer is an opportunity to balance relaxation with personal growth. Whether participating in a marine biology program, launching an online store, or volunteering at a senior center, students have countless ways to get involved. Balancing downtime with personal goals allows students to return in the fall with new experiences and a clearer sense of identity.
