School’s Out: What’s Next?
by Madison Cook | Contributor
With exams behind us and sunny days upon us, it’s officially SUMMER TIME! Time for late nights, leisurely sleep-ins, binge-watching Netflix, and soaking up the sun for hours! What more could you ask for?
However, after about a week of this “summer bliss,” the charm of endless leisure starts to fade, and one begins to realize that school has its perks. While three months off certainly allows for rest, how much relaxation is actually beneficial? It appears teens continuously grapple with finding a satisfying equilibrium between unwinding and engaging in productive activities during this break. Given the ever-intensifying college application landscape along with the demands placed on today’s youth entering the workforce, making the most of summer is crucial. But what constitutes the “productivity” that parents and educators often emphasize?
Marie Bigham, the College Counseling Director at Greenhill School and member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling Board, emphasizes that colleges are looking for students who utilize their summer in meaningful ways beyond simply hanging out. In her view, productivity can take various forms such as attending summer camps, engaging in employment, pursuing academic interests, conducting research, traveling, or participating in sports. Bigham cautions against expensive summer programs that claim to guarantee college admissions, stating, “no summer experience guarantees college acceptance, and cost doesn’t equate to value.” College admissions teams recognize summer as a time for relaxation but hope to see students involved in intellectual pursuits and community service, alongside demonstrating a sense of responsibility and commitment. They aspire for students to pick up essential life skills from summer jobs, such as public interaction, reliability, and financial independence. While securing opportunities can be a challenge, Bigham suggests teenlife.com as an excellent platform for finding summer offerings. She also advises students in the job search to maintain a humble and open-minded attitude, willing to tackle foundational tasks.
Sunshine, Fun, and Collective College Prep!
Discover How Teens are Spending Their Summer Break
Lauren Raskin, rising senior
Ursuline Academy of Dallas
“Summertime rejuvenates us, allowing for a brief escape from academic stress! I have spent most of my summers at the stables since I was seven, riding as much as I can. This summer, my challenge will be juggling horseback riding with ACT preparations and college visits!”
Sophie Shiff, rising junior
Plano West Senior High School
“I believe that while summer is an excellent time for relaxation and spending time with friends, we should also utilize this break to prepare for the upcoming school year! I’m planning to chill, enjoy late mornings, and take SAT prep classes while also advancing my community service with NCL.”
Walker Tait, rising junior
Greenhill School
“Teens should leverage their summer break to socialize, unwind, and travel, breaking free from the school year’s usual grind without neglecting mental stimulation, perhaps through reading.”
Caitlin Smith, current senior
Plano East High School
“Post-graduation, I intend to cherish quality moments with friends and family, savoring the last few months before college while also gathering my college essentials. My summer will be quieter than in previous years; last summer, I interned at Kaplan Pediatrics in Plano, shadowing Dr. Kaplan. That experience was not just enjoyable but incredibly educational. I believe summer means making the most of free time while having fun!”
Daria Cosgrove, rising junior
Plano West Senior High School
“I think summer is an opportunity for teens to be active in the outdoors, rather than just lounging around! I plan to play a lot of basketball and work out extensively to improve my skills, while also enjoying time outdoors with friends. Additionally, preparing for the SAT/ACT with prep classes is on my to-do list!”
Joy Kurdi, rising junior, Prince of Peace Christian School
“I’m about to embark on a family trip to Europe for the first time, with stops planned in countries like London, Spain, Scotland, and France. I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of my first passport in the mail!”
Sam Yuan, rising junior
Prince of Peace Christian School
“This marks my first year in the United States and my first American high school experience. I’ll be taking a summer class in June, then returning to China in mid-July, before coming back to the U.S. for my junior year in August.”
Keaton Butowsky, rising senior, Greenhill School
“Summer is an ideal time to embrace activities that are often neglected during the hectic school year. I will spend a month in Taipei, Taiwan as part of an immersive language program and take economics at Greenhill to allow more scheduling freedom during the academic year. I’m also participating in a college essay workshop to prepare for college applications, alongside my duties on the student council, where I’ve recently been elected president.”
Kahrej Alhuwalia, rising junior
Plano West Senior High School
“This summer, I am eager to see my brothers graduate from high school before turning my focus to SAT prep, all while spending quality time with family and friends. I believe it’s essential for teens to balance their summer between preparing for their futures and enjoying their time off. In the past, I’ve also spent time volunteering for charitable organizations around the metroplex.”
JC Weed, rising senior
Prince of Peace Christian School
“I’m working on my recovery this summer after a serious Mule ATV accident in January, while also training to run again for the cross-country team at POPCS. My family and I will also be visiting colleges in the Northeast, including institutions like Clemson University, Cornell University, and Purdue University.”
