Summer College Prep Opportunities and Advice

By: Alexa Obadiah

While many students use summer break as a time to relax, it can also be a valuable opportunity to get ahead on college preparation. Without the demands of classes or homework, you can focus on strengthening your applications, exploring your interests, and gaining meaningful experiences that will help you stand out in the college admissions process.

What Colleges Look At

When applying to college, it’s important to remember that each school may look for something different in its applicants. While strong grades, a high GPA, and competitive test scores are essential for many colleges, other factors like extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, essays, and letters of recommendation also play a significant role. For example, some colleges may prioritize academic achievement, while others place more emphasis on athletics, artistic talent, or dedication to community causes.

If you're curious about what specific colleges value most, check out their Common Data Set (CDS). This public document outlines what each school considers “very important,” “important,” “considered,” or “not considered” in their admissions process. For instance, one college might rank class rank as “very important,” while another might give more weight to extracurricular involvement.

To find a school’s Common Data Set, simply search “[College Name] Common Data Set.” It’s typically available as a PDF and includes a section that details the relative importance of academic and non-academic factors. Understanding what your target and dream schools prioritize can help you make informed decisions about how to spend your summer and where to focus your efforts when building your application.

Internships and Volunteering

Summer is an ideal time to gain real-world experience through internships and volunteering. These opportunities not only strengthen your college applications but also help you explore potential career paths and majors.

Don Soffer offers the Summer Youth Internship Program, which provides students with hands-on experience in various fields. If you're interested, speak with Mrs. Battle, our school’s college counselor, to learn more about the requirements, what the program entails, and how to apply. Applications are due by May 5th, so be sure to apply soon. This program gives you the opportunity to work with local businesses and organizations, gain insight into the professional world, and earn a $1,500 stipend.

Volunteering is another great way to spend your summer. Consider helping out at local libraries, community centers, or nonprofit organizations that align with your interests. Not only does this benefit the community, but it also demonstrates your commitment and initiative to colleges.

Summer Classes and Programs

Another excellent way to spend your summer is by enrolling in classes or programs that allow you to learn something new, earn credits, or build skills in areas you’re passionate about. Whether you're looking to get ahead academically or explore a hobby, there’s something for everyone.

Our school partners with FIU and Miami Dade College to offer dual enrollment courses during the summer, giving students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. While the application deadline for this year’s FIU registration has passed, it’s a great idea to start planning ahead for next year. Dual enrollment courses not only look impressive on college applications but can also lighten your future college course load.

For students interested in technology, engineering, or robotics, Mr. Vasquez–our school’s robotics and science teacher–will be hosting a Robotics Bootcamp this summer. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone curious about joining the robotics team next year. You'll get hands-on experience with coding, mechanical building, and teamwork. No prior experience is required! If you're interested, talk to Mr. Vasquez the next time you see him.

If you're looking to take honors or high school-level courses over the summer, ask your guidance counselor about enrolling in classes through FLVS (Florida Virtual School) or Edgenuity. These platforms allow you to take honors-level courses without affecting your school GPA–a great way to challenge yourself academically on your own schedule.

SAT/ACT Prep

Summer is also a great time to start preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT–especially since you won’t have regular schoolwork competing for your attention. A strong test score can help you stand out on college applications, particularly if your GPA isn’t as high as you'd like.

You can sign up for free online prep through platforms like Khan Academy (for the SAT) or ACT Academy, both of which create personalized study plans based on your practice test results. Additionally, our school partners with the PrepScholar program, which you can purchase for just $10–significantly discounted from the usual $200–through the My School Bucks app. If you prefer a more structured environment, you can also explore local or virtual prep courses that offer live instruction and tutoring.

Even studying for just a few hours each week can lead to meaningful improvements. Taking the test during the summer gives you the advantage of extra time to retake it in the fall–well before college application deadlines in senior year.

There are countless ways to make your summer both meaningful and enjoyable. Whether you're working a summer job, volunteering, taking classes, or preparing for the SAT or ACT, each step you take helps strengthen your college applications and personal growth. If you have any questions, reach out to Mrs. Battle, do your research, and find the opportunities that best align with your goals and interests.