You may have noticed that I’ve been going on about summer school for the past few days…
The historical and traditional perspective of a summer school program is one that sparks emotions of fear, despair, and boredom. Normally we think of summer school as something a student would be required to do because he or she needs a class in order to move to the next grade. This is not always the case…
Many advanced students will enroll in a summer program to get a class out of the way so they can do more the next tear or take a class that would conflict with whatever course they took in the summer. Some students will take basics or prerequisite courses during the summer in order to enroll in AP classes during the year.
There are also many summer “schools” that are not necessarily school at all. Many universities have summer programs for students to come and visit (in hopes that they will eventually enroll at the university) and see what college is like. Other community programs such as museums, parks, and community centers offer classes in extracurricular subjects like dance, art, space exploration, mountaineering, etc.
These programs often compete with the typical summer camps that most youth have experiences in before high school. There are camps for music, sports, scouts, and a variety of other interests. Not all are for middle school age children only. Many summer camp programs include high schoolers as participants as well as counselors or student leaders or managers.
But what is the point of the summer program anyway? I mean, students spend more time in school now than they have in years, especially those that want to go to college…
But is it all necessary? I’m afraid the best answer I can give is maybe. Some students will need summer classes to get through school (whether for bad grades or to move into advanced classes). Some students will want those camps or summer programs because that is the only time they have to devote to extracurriculars. But some won’t.
Admissions Counselors will have your grades, SAT/ACT scores, course lists, extracurriculars, essays and maybe even letters of recommendation. Students are in school in most areas for 9 or 10 months out of the year. Based on transcripts and score they will know if you can handle school and how well you are expected to do in classes at a college. Those who are college bound need only be worried about one thing: Balance. They want to admit students who have achieved a successful balance between school, family, fun, work, and life in general. They want students who will add to their community.
What does that mean for you? Take a look at all you do. Don’t spread yourself too thin, but be involved and active in something. It looks better to an admissions counselor that you have good grades and are involved in one or two things consistently and seriously that it does to see someone with good grades that is all over the place when it comes to extracurricular activities. Joining 10 clubs and participating in 3 sports doesn’t work for most people. Don’t be fooled that numbers matter when it comes to showing involvement. You have an essay and maybe letters of recommendation to help you show how balanced and well rounded you are, to show how you can contribute to the campus community of the college of your choice.
Remember, it doesn’t matter if the only thing you do is volunteer or participate in a church youth group. But you should be able to show how that activity has made you into a better, more capable/responsible/reasonable/etc [insert your adjective of choice here] person.
