The transition from high school to college can be a big one for students, and those who are starting college this year are facing challenges as many colleges and universities have had to adapt to online learning or a hybrid classroom system due to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite these global challenges, school students need to use their summer time effectively to prepare for the next chapter of their lives and set themselves up for success in college.
To use your last summer before college effectively, we’ve put together a list of things you could do in the summer that will help you succeed in your next challenge and ease your transition into college life.
Learn a language
If you’re planning to study abroad, it is very important to learn the local language spoken at your desired study destination. Learning this new language will not only facilitate your college education at your chosen university, but it will also make your life much easier by communicating with locals outside of the college campus. There are a number of ways you can start learning a new language; foreign culture centers from different countries often offer language courses. The internet is also full of free resources that make learning a new language seem so easy.
Apps You Can Use to Learn a Foreign Language
Rosetta Stone: A comprehensive paid service that uses immersive techniques to teach you a new language through visual and auditory cues.
Duolingo: A free app that makes language learning fun and interactive with short, daily lessons.
Read more
Reading books benefits both your physical and mental health, and those benefits can last a lifetime. A study conducted in 2013 using functional MRI scans to measure the effects of reading a novel on the brain has found that, as tension built in the novel, more areas of the brain lit up with activity. The scans showed that throughout the reading period and for days afterward, brain connectivity increased in the part of the brain that responds to physical sensation, movement, and pain. Reading also helps build up a large vocabulary and increase comprehension and that can have a positive effect on many areas of your life, from standardized test scores to college admissions process and job opportunities.
Discover Great Books with Goodreads
Goodreads is a popular platform where you can explore new books, track your reading, and get recommendations based on your interests. It’s a great tool for discovering new titles and joining a community of book lovers.
Prepare well for tests
Most colleges and universities have adapted to test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind policies for the 2020-21 intakes as a result of the ongoing pandemic but that does not mean that standardized tests will continue to be optional in the coming years. Even if some universities are test-blind and won’t consider any standardized test scores if submitted, there is, however, a large number of universities that still consider these test scores. A high test score can strengthen your college application and ease the acceptance decision. As such, students are advised to use the summer break to prepare for the tests. We’ve put together a test preparation guide from top resources that will help you perform well on your next standardized test.
Take an online course
One of the best ways to spend your summer preparing for your freshman year in college is to keep yourself academically engaged by taking online courses that will enhance your college readiness and help you during your first semester. Although most of us would just rather relax and take a break from all the stress once the admissions application is accepted, a 2-week vacation can leave you stress-free as well as plenty of time to improve your skills by taking an online class. There are plenty of online resources now that offer short courses or MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) that can be completed in as little as a week. Edx.org is a great place to take a short course with a wide range of subjects to choose from. You can also consider advanced placement courses that will give you a head start on your college classes.
Acquire relevant experience
It is a great practice to explore possible careers and professions related to the study discipline you are pursuing. Adding to your professional experience is equally important through part-time jobs or summer internships. Finding an intern in the field you are planning to study opens up your horizons as well as adds to your personal advantages. Not only will an internship opportunity in a relevant field to your desired study discipline help you polish your soft, social, and organizational skills, but it will also expand your perception of the mission of that discipline. An internship or a volunteer position at a bank, for example, for students who are looking to study business, will give a great idea of how operations flow and how such organizations operate.
Prepare Your Personal Statement
Another important summer task is to start working on your personal statement for college applications. A well-crafted personal statement can set you apart from other candidates and provide insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Use this time to reflect on your experiences, goals, and aspirations, and write a draft that showcases your unique qualities and motivations.
The transition from high school to college may be a confusing one for some, but it is important to maximize the benefit of your summer plans. Engaging in extracurricular activities, taking on a summer job, and participating in pre-college programs will reflect positively on your personal growth and on your college application prior to starting your first year of college. This excellent time spent on gaining hands-on experience will pave the way for a successful college journey. If you are looking for expert counseling, book your appointment with our student success team at Studygram, who will be with you every step of the way.
Want to start your study abroad application? Contact us to achieve your academic goals and elevate your critical thinking.
Start your study abroad application with Studygram today! As a leading Middle East International Education Consultant, we provide comprehensive support to enhance your academic program and ensure your school transcript reflects your true potential. Our experts are here to offer personalized study tips and guidance, helping you transition smoothly into university life. Contact us now for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step towards an exceptional college experience.
