Level Up Your Summer: 5 Ways to Stay Productive and Have Fun

Some students have a harder time getting into the swing of things in the Summer. It’s hot outside, you’re exhausted after your SAT Prep class, and you just want to relax and have fun with your friends. Thankfully, there are many ways to strengthen your resume and build new skills while still having fun and spending time with loved ones! 

In fact, top colleges look beyond student transcripts and achievements to understand who you are through your interests, hobbies, and how you spend your free time. One of MIT’s supplemental essay prompts is, “Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it,” while Brown asks students, “Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy.” Prompts like these are looking for self-reflection and personal growth through experiences that are both productive and genuinely fun. 

In today’s post, we’ll share five creative ways to give your resume more depth and provide inspiration for standout personal statements and supplemental essays. 

1. Look at your local library’s events calendar

Plano Public Library offers classes like Creative Writing and Salvage Art, and Austin Public Library’s events for teens include participating in a Dungeons & Dragons Campaign or learning nail art! Unique hobbies and classes like these can inspire noteworthy essay topics and add depth to your resume. 

2. Enjoy the outdoors? Join a park clean-up project

If you’re located near Austin, groups like Pease Park Conservancy, Texas Trail Tamers, and the Austin Parks Foundation regularly host events dedicated to protecting and preserving the environment (don’t worry—many events are scheduled in the morning before it gets too hot!).

Alternatively, if you don’t have transportation, you can start your own garden at home. Summer is a great time to grow herbs and vegetables, and you can even bring your new skills and knowledge to your high school in the fall by joining or founding a gardening club!

3. Get crafty 

Many cities have creative reuse centers where people can donate unused craft supplies. These centers offer unique volunteering opportunities for teens. You can spend an afternoon sorting fabrics and get to know like-minded artists. The crafting skills and experience you gain can then contribute to future volunteer or personal projects! For example, local hospitals and animal shelters often accept items like knitted blankets and crocheted toys!

4. Get cooking 

If you live in Texas, Central Market offers summer programs for teens as well as classes year-round. If you want to sign up, make sure to check the age requirement as some cooking classes require you to attend with an adult. Cooking classes are a great opportunity to bond with family and friends, and you always get to enjoy your hard work with a tasty treat at the end of the lesson!

5. Need more inspiration? Look for a brand new hobby 

Many local businesses offer hobby classes for things you may never have considered—from ceramics to jewelry making (check the class description to make sure they admit teen participants!). Developing new skills and hobbies is a great way to showcase your personality to an Admissions Officer, and you may discover a true passion you’d love to write about. 

For hard-working students, summer break offers an opportunity to explore your more creative side and balance your resume with unique hobbies. If you’ve been struggling to find inspiration for your college application essays, take a step outside of your comfort zone over the next 10 weeks! You may come away from the summer with a meaningful story to share. 

Applying to college this summer and need help tackling essays from schools like MIT and Brown? Join our Gateway Program, where you’ll receive 1:1 guidance for up to 5 college applications from an experienced college admissions counselor. 

Wanting to build your profile to prepare for college admissions in the future? Sign up for Steps, a counseling program designed to help students in grades 7-11 reach their goals with personalized recommendations and strategies.