As summer approaches, many parents worry about whether their high schoolers will use the time “wisely.” While that concern is understandable, my 30 years as a college counselor have shown me that it’s often misplaced. In today’s busy world, we have the exact opposite concerns. Our students rarely get enough unstructured time.
From preschool playdates to high school enrichment activities, kids today grow up on a schedule. The result is that many lose the ability to entertain themselves, explore new ideas, think big thoughts, or simply rest. It’s no wonder we’re seeing so many teens struggle with mental health concerns like anxiety and burnout. The saddest part is that much of this over-scheduling is driven by a well-meaning but misguided belief that more activities equal better college prospects.
In reality, how a student spends their summers matters far less than why they do what they do. Whether they attend a college-sponsored program or bag groceries at the local supermarket, what matters most is that the experience reflects their values, initiative, and growth. In fact, many colleges value a student who works a summer job or volunteers locally just as much (if not more) than someone who participates in costly, pre-packaged programs.
Summer is not the time to rack up resume boosters just for show. It’s a time to live, learn, explore, and grow.
What Should High School Students Do In The Summer?
Anything that engages them in real life is valuable—as long as it doesn’t mean sitting in a dark room playing video games all day. Whether it’s fishing, reading, spending time with friends, or working part-time, students benefit from activities that help them interact with real people, gain life experiences, contemplate their future, learn from past mistakes, and grow.
Here are some summer strategies for high school students depending on where students are in their high school journey:
Rising Sophomores
This is a great summer to explore interests without pressure. That could mean volunteering, taking an art class, joining a local sports team, shadowing a professional, or even visiting nearby college campuses to get a feel for what’s out there. A part-time job (if they’re ready for it) can also help build responsibility and confidence.
Rising Juniors
All of the above still applies, but now’s also the time to start thinking a bit more intentionally. Rising juniors can begin preparing for the SAT or ACT, look into leadership roles within their current extracurriculars, and build a preliminary college list. Visiting a few campuses can help clarify what they want. Above all, they should read! It’s the best prep for the essays they’ll be writing the following summer.
Rising Seniors
Rising seniors face a busy summer. Beyond summer jobs or programs, rising seniors’ summer strategies should include:
- Drafting their main college essay
- Finalizing their college list (aim for around 10 schools)
- Completing the Common Application
- Begin searching for scholarships
These tasks take time and focus. If your student feels overwhelmed, they’re not alone, and that’s exactly why I’m here to help.
Let your student rest. Let them explore. Let them lead.
High school is the beginning of the handoff from parent to young adult. Supporting your teen with thoughtful summer strategies for high school students (ones that include rest, real-life experiences, and a bit of independence) helps them build confidence, grow their sense of identity, and take ownership of their future.
You’ve done the work. Now it’s time to trust the process, and trust them.
If you’re feeling unsure about how your teen should spend the summer, or what colleges really want to see, I’m here to help. With decades of experience guiding families through this process, I can help your students use their summer in a way that feels meaningful, not stressful.
Let’s talk about what’s right for your family. Schedule a free consultation today.
