Teenagers get a bad rap. If you read the headlines, you’ll see that a lot of people think they are “lazy” or “entitled,” but in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. There are plenty of teenagers out there who want to spend their free time preparing for their future.
While some teenagers spend their summers lounging by the pool or playing video games, other teenagers are trying to boost their resume for when it comes time to apply to university. In fact, there are tons of different things teens can do to make their applications more appealing to universities. Here are a few ideas that you may want to try if you’d rather look toward your future than staying stuck in the present.
Volunteer
One of the best things an application committee likes to see on a resume is volunteer work. It shows them that the applicant is not only committed to helping others but is willing to take on challenges and see them through.
There are countless areas of service that need volunteers: animal shelters, libraries, churches, civic clubs and more are always looking for people willing to put a little time in for helping others. This will boost your university application by showing that you are a diverse candidate with the ability to do more than just study — application committees love that.
It’s better to pick one volunteering option and stick with it rather than choose a lot of short time services. This is because committees want to see you choose a project and finish it, a great indicator that you will do the same with your classes.
Summer School
If you want to get a head start on your university classes and experiences, programs like the Cambridge summer school are a great way to spend your summer.
In programs like this, you will get to see first-hand what it’s like to live on a university campus, meet professors, see the surrounding towns and get a good general idea about the next several years of your life will be like. You also get to choose from a range of subjects to study for a few weeks, so if you know already know what you want to focus on, this is a good way to hone your knowledge.
Internships
Another great thing to put on your university application is an internship. This shows the committee that you are serious about your future and that you already know what you want to do with your life.
If there’s a subject you’re passionate about, look for internships in that area. Not only will this give you invaluable experience and place you ahead of many other candidates, it will give you a sense of what your career may look like once you graduate. This way, you will know if you’ve chosen wisely or if you need to rethink your major.
If you don’t feel like lounging away your summer, try one of these application-boosting options.