Advice: Are you making the most of your summer?

It's the middle of winter but that doesn't mean that thousands of high school students aren't already planning out their summers. Are you planning yours?

Around December, every year, applications to pre-college summer programs are opening all across the nation. High school students are already carefully crafting their applications to some the of best summer programs offered in 2018, including myself. Are you going to get involved?


Continuing to learn over the summer has so many benefits. Not only does it keep your brain from getting rusty, but it puts you ahead of your classmates and provides you with the opportunity to experience amazing things and meet phenomenal people. Taking the time to figure out what you are going to be doing next summer is worthwhile.

There are so many ways to keep learning during those 100 degree months, so here are some options for how to get involved over the summer:

Pre-College Summer Programs
Almost every university or college provides a pre-college program over the summer for aspiring high school students. These programs typically delve into a certain subject area and prepare you for college-level work. Applications can be competitive, but it is always a smart idea to apply anyway. You will be able to meet amazing kids and teachers, as well as learn more than you would ever want to know!

Get a Job
If summer camps aren't up your alley, a job is actually extremely helpful in so many ways. Employment looks amazing on college applications, and will teach you concepts like customer service, business, and commitment. And who doesn't want to earn some money? Gaining a position through a family friend is a great way to find a job, but working at your favorite clothing store or dessert shop is a popular option.

Online Classes
Online classes through your high school or programs like Johns Hopkins CTY, are a more affordable option for immersive learning over the summer. You can typically apply closer to the end of the school year, although it is always a good idea to start thinking about what classes you may want to take now. Earning school credit, freeing up time for electives in your schedule, and staying in the comfort of your home are just a few of the benefits of online courses.

Sports Camps
Do you love a sport? Engaging in a sports program run by a college or university over the summer is an awesome option. Several schools, such as Villanova, for example, hold sports camps over the summer for talented student athletes. Or getting involved in your high school’s camps or local summer teams can also benefit you.

Start Studying
If you have taken no interest to studying online or in a college classroom, or having a job or playing a sport, preparing for the upcoming school year can never hurt. Begin reading textbooks and information on the subjects online so when the classes come, you are fully prepared. Even reading books for fun or practicing your writing skills can help when school starts. Overall, just take some time to prepare your brain for the upcoming year of hard classes.
Hopefully you can take away some important information about the opportunities available to you over the summer. Continuing to learn over the summer is extremely beneficial and, dare I say, fun!

Interested in learning more? Click the links below to read about some amazing about summer opportunities!

Summer Pre-College
Sports Camps
Online Courses

By Olivia Sullivan, LS News reporter

The opinions of the stated author does not constitute an official position of the Lampeter-Strasburg School District or of the LS News editorial board.

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