| Finals are coming up and summer is not far away. Do | | | | become an expert |
| you hang out at the pool for the next few months or | | | | 7. Take a college course that is offered to high school |
| decide to explore some other opportunities? Your | | | | students |
| summer experiences can often give colleges a good | | | | 8. Get serious about a sport you enjoy and pursue it |
| idea of who you are and what is important to you. | | | | with enthusiasm |
| That does not mean that there will not be time to | | | | 9. Read books that stimulate your mind and get your |
| relax, but it does mean that you need to get creative. | | | | brain thinking. Start a summer book club. |
| Here are ten tips to help you get started: | | | | 10. Write a letter to the mayor of your city and find out |
| 1. Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, the Humane | | | | where you can make a difference. |
| Society, or a National Park | | | | Some of the best college essays are written about |
| 2. Shadow someone in a business that interests you | | | | students' unique summer experiences. They often |
| 3. Start a play group for young children in your | | | | reveal qualities colleges seek in applicants: Initiative, |
| neighborhood | | | | community contributions, and leadership. Colleges like |
| 4. Gain some valuable skills and start your own | | | | students who are different and who have pursued |
| business: Dog walking, computer assistance, vacation | | | | interests that most teenagers would not consider. So, |
| home care | | | | get off of the couch and get busy. There is no reason |
| 5. Establish a charity you care about and make it your | | | | your summer cannot be meaningful and fun at the |
| cause. | | | | same time. |
| 6. Research something you know little about and | | | | |