What Is the Best Way for High School Students to Use Their Summer?

The best way for high school students to use their summer is to balance rest with purposeful activities such as academic programs, internships, volunteering, skill-building, and personal projects. Well-planned summers help students explore interests, build strong profiles, and significantly strengthen college applications.

Why Are Summers Important for College Applications?

Colleges value how students use their time outside the classroom. Summer activities show:

• Intellectual curiosity

• Initiative and independence

• Depth of interest in chosen fields

• Time management and responsibility

Admissions officers look for impact, consistency, and authenticity, not just prestige.

How Do Summer Programs Impact College Applications?

Summer programs enhance college applications by demonstrating:

• Commitment to learning beyond school

• Exposure to advanced or interdisciplinary subjects

• Ability to thrive in competitive environments

• Meaningful engagement with mentors and peers

Highly selective programs can strengthen applications, but fit and growth matter more than brand names.

Best Summer Activities for High School Students

Academic Enrichment Programs

Academic programs allow students to explore subjects deeply and experience college-level learning.

Highly Selective Global Programs

1. Research Science Institute (RSI) – MIT

One of the most prestigious STEM research programs in the world, RSI brings together top high school students globally to conduct original research at MIT. The program is fully funded, highly competitive, and deeply research-oriented.

Focus: STEM research
Duration: ~6 weeks
Format: On-campus, residential
Why it matters: Widely regarded as the gold standard for pre-college research experiences.

2. PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists)

PROMYS is a highly selective, six-week residential summer program at Boston University for high school students who show exceptional talent and curiosity in mathematics.

Focus: Pure mathematics, mathematical research
Duration: ~6 weeks
Format: On-campus, residential
Why it matters: demonstrates exceptional mathematical depth, intellectual independence, and readiness for advanced academic work

3. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

TASS is a fully funded residential program that encourages students to explore big ideas in the humanities and social sciences through seminars and discussions. It attracts globally curious students with strong academic interests.

Focus: Humanities, social sciences, critical thinking
Duration: ~5–6 weeks
Format: On-campus, residential
Why it matters: High academic rigor, fully funded, excellent for students with critical writing and discussion skills.

4. SUMaC (Stanford University Mathematics Camp)

SUMaC is an intensive mathematics program hosted by Stanford University, designed for students with strong mathematical foundations who want exposure to advanced, college-level math.

Focus: Advanced mathematics, mathematical thinking
Duration: ~3–4 weeks
Format: On-campus (and sometimes online options)
Why it matters: Academic rigor and readiness for advanced STEM study.

5. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

A highly selective and well-recognized pre-college program hosted by Yale where students join global cohorts, explore academic tracks, and engage with Yale faculty.

Focus: Multidisciplinary (STEM, humanities, social sciences)
Duration: ~2–3 weeks
Format: Residential or hybrid
Why it matters: Internationally respected and strong for networking and academic exploration.

6. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

Selective summer study tracks at Stanford offer advanced coursework in areas like AI, business, writing, and science, helping students build deep knowledge and critical thinking.

Focus: Specialised academic tracks
Duration: ~2–4 weeks
Format: On-campus
Why it matters: Known for rigor and connection with Stanford faculty and peers.

5. Oxford Scholars Programme (Oxford, UK)

A small-cohort pre-college summer experience in Oxford featuring intensive project-based learning and tutorials led by Oxford-affiliated academics.

Focus: College-level academic exploration
Duration: ~2 weeks
Format: On-campus (Oxford)
Why it matters: Builds academic depth and global perspective in iconic academic settings.

6. Columbia University High School Summer Programs

Columbia offers online and in-person advanced courses across more than 40 subject areas, open to international students. These programs range from STEM to humanities and provide rigorous academic exposure.

Focus: Diverse academic subjects
Duration: 1–2 weeks
Format: On-campus or online
Why it matters: Flexible format and reputable Ivy League affiliation.

7. Summer Science Program (SSP)

A competitive research-driven program focused on topics like astrophysics or genomics, where students work in teams to complete real science research projects.

Focus: STEM and research
Duration: ~5–6 weeks
Format: On-campus, residential
Why it matters: Team science experience plus discovery-based research.

8. Wharton Leadership in the Business World (LBW) – UPenn

Wharton’s LBW is a selective business leadership summer program that blends entrepreneurship, case-based learning, finance, and strategy with real projects and faculty insights.

Focus: Business, leadership, entrepreneurship
Duration: ~3 weeks
Format: On-campus
Why it matters: Ideal for future business leaders.

9. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio (University of Iowa)

A highly respected writing program for dedicated young writers offering intensive workshops, mentorship from published authors, and time to build a writing portfolio.

Focus: Creative writing
Duration: ~2 weeks
Format: On-campus or online
Why it matters: Great for building a creative portfolio and narrative skills.

10. CIEE Summer Abroad Programs

These are immersive summer abroad programs in countries across the world, covering language learning, cultural exchange, and academic specializations — excellent for global exposure.

Focus: Language, culture, academic, or experiential learning abroad
Duration: 3–4+ weeks
Format: Abroad residential
Why it matters: Global perspective and intercultural experience.

Indian Programs

• Ashoka University Young Scholars Programme
  Offers a liberal arts experience across disciplines like history, political science, philosophy, and literature.

Internships and Research Opportunities

Internships and research projects provide hands-on exposure and help students test career interests.

Examples:

• Research with university professors

• Internships at startups, NGOs, labs, or media houses

• Online research programs for high school students

These experiences add credibility and depth to college applications.

Volunteering and Community Service

Volunteering reflects empathy, leadership, and social responsibility.

Where to volunteer:

• NGOs and community organizations

• Hospitals and healthcare initiatives

• Education or environmental projects

Colleges value long-term commitment more than short-term volunteering.

Skill Development

Summer is an ideal time for acquiring both practical and academic skills.

Popular skills to build:

• Coding and data analysis

• Foreign languages

• Public speaking and debate

• Music or performing arts

Online learning platforms:

• Coursera

• Udemy

• Khan Academy

Creative and Passion Projects

Creative pursuits help students stand out and express individuality.

Examples:

• Writing blogs, poetry, or short stories

• Painting, photography, or digital art

• Filmmaking or podcasting

Personal projects often become powerful college essay topics.

Grade-Wise Summer Planning Guide

Summer After 9th Grade

Goal: Exploration

• Try diverse activities

• Attend workshops or camps

• Identify emerging interests

Summer After 10th Grade

Goal: Skill Building & Focus

• Choose more targeted programs

• Start internships or small research projects

• Build a portfolio (writing, coding, art, research)

Summer After 11th Grade

Goal: College Readiness

• Apply to competitive programs

• Pursue serious internships or research

• Prepare for SAT/ACT

• Strengthen leadership and impact

This is the most critical summer for college applications.

Summer After 12th Grade

Goal: Application Finalization

• Finalize college list and majors

• Work extensively on personal essays

• Build a brag sheet

• Decide on Early Action vs Regular Decision

• Complete pending projects

• Submit SAT/ACT scores

Additional Tips for Making the Most of Summer

Time Management

Create a balanced schedule that includes:

• Learning

• Activities

• Downtime

Avoid burnout while staying productive.

Networking

Use summer programs to connect with:

• Mentors

• Professors

• Like-minded peers

These relationships can lead to guidance, recommendations, and opportunities.

Reflection

Maintain a journal or blog to document:

• What you learned

• Challenges you faced

• How experiences shaped your goals

This reflection is extremely useful for college essays.

Conclusion: How to Truly Make Summers Count

A meaningful summer is not about doing everything, but about doing the right things for you. Whether through academics, internships, volunteering, or creative pursuits, intentional summers lead to personal growth and stronger college applications.

Start early, stay authentic, and choose experiences that align with your interests and long-term goals. A well-used summer can be both fulfilling and transformative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are these global summer programs open to students outside the U.S.?

Yes — most programs above explicitly accept international applicants, either on-campus or via online/hybrid tracks.

2. Are summer programs necessary for college admissions?

No, but they can strengthen applications if they align with a student’s interests and demonstrate depth and initiative.

3. Do these programs help with college admissions?

Yes — selective programs demonstrate initiative, intellectual courage, and engagement in advanced learning — qualities admissions committees value.

4. Which summer is most important for college applications?

The summer after 11th grade is the most critical, as it directly impacts applications and essays.

5. Are fully funded options available for international students?

Yes — programs like RSI and TASS are fully funded for accepted students, covering tuition, housing, and often travel.

6. Do colleges prefer internships or volunteering?

Colleges value impact and consistency over the type of activity. Choose what aligns best with your interests and values.

7. Can online courses count as productive summer activities?

Yes, especially when they lead to tangible skills, certifications, or projects.