Ten summer activities that look good on your college app

Are your only plans for the summer to catch some rays and chill in your flip-flops? While summer vacation offers a great break from schoolwork, the activities that you choose to fill your summer with can actually help you get into college. How you spend your time during break can tell admission officers a lot about you.

Here are ten fun activities to keep you busy this summer that’ll guarantee a fun and productive break.

1. Start a blog. Do you have a lot to say? Tell the world in a blog! There are many popular sites that make blogging easy, such as WordPress, Tumblr, Blogspot and Xanga. Before starting your blog, think of a theme to base your posts around. It can be really specific or fairly general – as long as the focus is something you’re passionate about! A themed blog will target a specific audience, while a general blog might have more widespread appeal. Writing impresses admissions officers – it shows creativity and independence of thought, but it’s also interactive and fun.

Ready to do it? Watch this simple video tutorial.

2. Go backpacking. Throw on your backpack, and get trekking! Whether you hike around your hometown, or travel to a mountain destination, backpacking is an exhilarating experience which will show college admissions counselors that you are active and in touch with the environment. You also will come across as independent, not to mention it’ll keep you in shape this summer: Hiking is one of the best ways to get exercise and keep your body in good health.

Ready to do it? Check out this sampling of programs.

3. Create a website. Creating a website teaches you how to use HTML, the backbone to web design language. Domain names usually cost around $15 per year, but you can also use a variety of free hosting sites. Building a website requires that you work on one page at a time. To become more familiar with HTML, purchase cheap intro books. Then, promote your site by word of mouth, email or even advertising. You might even make a bit of spending money!

Ready to do it? Check out free web hosting like Bravenet. Then, check out cheap books on Amazon and learn SEO basics.

4. Volunteer. Volunteering your time to a worthy cause is not only impressive to admissions counselors, but also can be one of the most rewarding activities this summer. Choose an organization or cause you are genuinely interested in.

Ready to do it? Check out this site to discover the perfect volunteer experience.

5. Learn a new language. Learning a second language promotes your educational development, enhances your communication and thinking abilities and allows to you fully understand and appreciate the world in which you live. Still not convinced it’s worth the time? Taking the initiative to learn another language will add a golden star to your college application. It doesn’t even have to be incredibly difficult or expensive to learn a new language.

Ready to do it? Start with these CDs to habla Español.

6. Recycle. Recycling benefits both the economy and environment. Do a little research to find out the steps your town takes to go green, and find out if there is a recycling plant nearby. You can even get paid to recycle! Why not help the environment and make a buck at the same time? Record how much money you make or how many hours you spent recycling so that you can include it in your college application.

Ready to do it? Watch this fun video about how to get paid to recycle.

7. Make a movie. Lights, camera, action! Making a movie can be a lot simpler than it sounds. Why not film a whole movie around your hometown? With new technology, this can be done on a budget. Directing a movie impresses admissions officers because it shows initiative, creativity and leadership. Write a script, direct a cast, and edit the movie together into a cohesive story.

Ready to do it? This book is written specifically for high school students.

8. Find a pen pal. A pen pal can expose you to a culture different from your own, encouraging you to learn someone else’s perspective. Interacting with a pen pal hones your reading and writing skills – and it’s a whole lot more fun than writing an essay for class. Imagine what a cool college essay you’ll write based on this experience.

Ready to do it? Find your perfect pen pal safely and securely here.

9. Read at the public library. If you love to read, get a public library card and use it often. Your public library is a free resource for you to expand your horizons and get to know your favorite genre. Being well-read makes you a more interesting, in-depth candidate when applying to college. You should even include it as one of your summer activities: reading for pleasure!

Ready to do it? Get to your local library!

10. Start a collection. Start a unique collection. Think about what fascinates you. Perhaps stamps from Greece or coins from Guatemala. Once you decide what you want to collect, do a little research on the item if it’s not obvious where to get it. Note that the value of a collection increases with its uniqueness, presentation and display. Your collection should tell a unique story. Keep your eye out for local shows and events where you may be able to display your collection and view others’ collections.

Ready to do it? Read this quick step-by-step guide to help you start your collection this summer.

Make the most of your summer – try one or more of these activities or come up with an idea of your own. And, don’t forget to wear sunscreen.