Some students dream about the end of the semester when they’ll get a break from classes and the daily grind. Yet, summer isn’t a time to slack off completely. Instead, it can be a great time for students to get ahead or catch up.
Summer Classes: Taking a summer class can be a way for your student to get ahead for the next semester. Some students find it helpful to take a class during the summer that they expect to be difficult so they can focus more time and attention on it. If your student struggled with a class during the academic year, they might be able to re-take the class to help their overall grade point average. Just make sure they talk with the Registrar’s office before signing up for the class. Also, they will need to make sure their school will accept the credits if they are taking the class from another institution.
An Internship or Job: Summer is a great time to get a job. Even better is getting a job that counts as an internship so your student can get credit for their work experience. For instance, if they are an engineering major, perhaps they could intern at a local manufacturing plant, helping design new equipment. If they are an elementary education major, a summer camp or a day care center would be great experience.
Internships are a great way to apply what they learned in the classroom while gaining practical experience. It is also a great way to understand what a career really entails so your student will know if they really want to continue in their major. Most internships are done during junior or senior year, but sophomores may still apply. Some internships are paid, while others just offer experience.
Volunteer: For the civic-minded student, summer can be a great time to volunteer. As a young adult, this can be an opportune time for your student to travel. Why not travel and give something back? Opportunities are available locally, nationally and internationally.
Test Taking: For older students who will be going on to graduate, law, or medical school, the summer is perfect for taking entrance exams, like the LSAT or MCAT. For younger students, summer is a chance to take a preparatory course, so that when the time comes to take the exam, they are ready.
Do Research: Summer is also downtime for faculty, which allows them time to focus on research. Your student may get the chance to actively conduct research in a field related to his major-faculty often ask good, committed students to assist them. If they are lucky, the professor will include their name when the research is published. What a great thing to add to a resume!
Tips taken from the Parent Pages