Posted on Apr 28, 2011 in Academics, Blog, Essay / Personal Statement, Exploring College Options, Identifying Goals, Making the Right Choice, Visiting Schools
Summer is just around the corner. For many of you that means sand, surf and snoozing. While we are all for enjoying time off and relaxing in the sun—summer also provides high school students with great opportunities for a few “mind changing” experiences. For those of you old enough to work, finding a great summer job is invaluable. It not only gives you insight into the world of work, but also helps develop essential skills for success outside of the classroom. Paid or unpaid work will provide you with a more clear understanding of the value of responsibility, reliability and a strong work ethic. Never discount any job–even if the only thing you learn from working at a fast food joint or as a day camp counselor is that you never want to do these jobs again. That is valuable information. Store these tidbits away for when you consider possible career fields. If you didn’t like working with children or at Mickey D’s when you were a teenager, what has changed that may interest you in these career fields now? A job can give you a glimpse into a particular career, nudge you in a direction or help you steer clear of certain vocations. Another thing to remember is that college admission officers take your work experiences into consideration regardless of whether it is flipping burgers or filing law reports. Other ways to make the most of your summer vacation is to “test drive” careers you find interesting by working or volunteering in that particular career. A first stop should be your high school guidance office to learn more about available internship opportunities. Remember, college for many is a short four year “gig” but you will be working for decades. So discovering a career that is both interesting and challenging to you will help create a more satisfying, rewarding and happier life. Combining work with academic pursuits may help you discover new and interesting parts of yourself. Many colleges and universities have programs for high school students in a variety of academic areas such as engineering, writing, science or the fine arts. It is a great way for a student to discover if a school is a good fit by attending a summer program and living on campus. Living in a dorm inBoston,New YorkCity orWashington,DCcan help you decide whether spending four years at an urban university is the right...
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