The Summer Extracurricular BLUEPRINT for ACCEPTANCE in 2024

Summary

This video script offers an ultimate summer activity blueprint for high school students aiming for Ivy League schools. It emphasizes the importance of using summer for unique activities like preparing for competitions, career exploration, shadowing professionals, starting nonprofits, and pursuing passion projects. The speaker also advises on securing internships, conducting research, and preparing for standardized tests like the SAT. The key takeaway is strategic early planning to strengthen college applications and build a compelling narrative for admission.

Takeaways

• 📚 Start early with extracurricular activities to stand out in college applications, especially during the summer when there are fewer distractions.
• 🏆 Prepare for and participate in competitions to win awards that can strengthen your college application.
• 🎓 Research and pursue career interests by networking and shadowing professionals in the field to gain insights and experience.
• 💼 Consider starting a nonprofit organization that is personal and addresses a real problem, rather than a generic solution.
• 👩‍💻 Engage in passion projects that align with your career interests and allow you to explore and build skills without pressure.
• 🔬 Seek internships and research projects, which can be especially beneficial if they lead to publications or presentations.
• 🗓 Plan ahead for internships by looking for local programs or virtual opportunities that match your interests and goals.
• 🧠 Prepare for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT with discipline and a structured study schedule, especially during the summer before your junior or senior year.
• ✍️ Begin thinking about college essays during the summer, even if you're not in your final year, to understand the process and start gathering ideas.
• 📝 Keep a detailed record of your extracurricular activities, goals, and important dates in an organized manner, such as a Google Sheets file.
• 🚀 Use the summer to identify gaps in your application and choose activities that will strengthen your profile in the areas that need improvement.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the video for high school students?

The main goal of the video is to provide a guide for high school students on how to utilize their summer effectively to strengthen their college applications, particularly for Ivy League schools.

Why should extracurricular activities pursued during the summer be different from those during the school year?

Summer activities should ideally be things that students couldn't pursue during the school year due to time constraints and distractions, allowing for focused and uninterrupted work towards specific goals.

What is the significance of winning awards in high school competitions for college applications?

Winning awards at state, national, or international levels can significantly strengthen a college application, showcasing a student's dedication, skills, and achievements in a particular field.

How did the speaker prepare for a competition during the summer before their senior year?

The speaker decided on a category to compete in, researched extensively about the competition, and dedicated the summer to preparing and practicing for the event, giving them a significant advantage over competitors who started later.

What is the speaker's advice on career exploration during the summer?

The speaker suggests researching fields of interest, building connections through networking, and shadowing professionals to gain insights and experiences that align with a student's career aspirations.

Why is starting a nonprofit beneficial for a college application?

Starting a nonprofit that is personal and addresses a real problem can demonstrate a student's initiative, leadership, and impact, which are valuable qualities for college applications.

What is the difference between a passion project and a nonprofit according to the video?

A passion project is an activity that aligns with a student's interests and can be pursued without pressure, while a nonprofit is an organized effort to address a specific issue, often with a broader impact.

Why is it important to start planning for internships during the summer break?

Planning for internships during the summer allows students to secure opportunities for the following year, as the application window for many internships closes months in advance.

How can students increase their chances of getting an internship?

Students can increase their chances by looking for local programs that match high school students with professionals, attending seminars, submitting applications, and networking with upperclassmen and recent graduates for advice.

What is the speaker's advice on preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT during the summer?

The speaker advises having a test date in mind, planning a study schedule around it, maintaining discipline, and consistently taking practice tests to simulate the actual exam experience.

How can students use the summer to prepare for college essay writing?

Students can use the summer to understand the college essay writing process, brainstorm ideas, and even start drafting essays to get a head start and be better prepared when it comes time to write their personal statements.

What is the final tip the speaker gives for organizing extracurricular activities for the upcoming school year?

The speaker suggests mapping out planned activities, noting goals and important dates, and organizing this information in a Google Sheets file to ensure a structured and organized approach to extracurriculars.