How to Maximize Your SUMMER Like an Ivy League Admit: Summer Activities for College ACCEPTANCE ☀️🎉🤗

Summary

In this video, Iris, an incoming Stanford student studying Computer Science and Economics, shares her tips on how to maximize your summer like an Ivy League applicant. She advises against doing activities solely for resumes and stresses the importance of pursuing passions aligned with your values. Iris also discusses various activities such as passion projects, internships, and summer programs that help discover your interests and build meaningful experiences. She emphasizes intrinsic motivation and the importance of networking, taking college courses, and preparing for future college applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't do activities just for the sake of adding something to your resume. Pursue things that genuinely excite you and align with your values and interests.
• 😀 Focus on intrinsic motivation when choosing summer activities. Activities that make you feel alive and passionate are far more valuable than those motivated by external factors like impressing others or gaining recognition.
• 😀 Pursue activities that allow you to explore and discover your interests, whether it’s sports, a passion project, or a summer program. This is key to personal growth and finding your direction.
• 😀 A passion project can be anything from starting a blog to creating a nonprofit. The goal is to focus on something that aligns with your values and positively impacts your community.
• 😀 Networking is important for growing your passion projects. Both in-person connections and social media can be effective in spreading the word and gathering support for your ideas.
• 😀 Participate in summer programs that excite you, especially those in fields like technology, humanities, or international relations. These programs can help you explore potential career paths.
• 😀 Look for free programs and financial aid opportunities to participate in prestigious summer programs or internships. The internet is a valuable tool for finding opportunities that might be out of reach otherwise.
• 😀 Take college-level courses during the summer. These can help you explore subjects that are not available in high school and help you earn credits for future college work.
• 😀 Internships at startups or research labs can provide hands-on experience and help you explore career options. Don’t hesitate to send cold emails or make cold calls to get these opportunities.
• 😀 Engage in political campaigns or public service projects to gain practical experience in politics and make a meaningful impact in your community. Start early to get involved in relevant causes.
• 😀 Use the summer to prep for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Even if test prep isn’t the main focus of your summer, spending some time on it can set you up for success during the school year.
• 😀 Start working on your college essays early. Crafting your personal statement and supplementals during the summer gives you ample time to revise and perfect your application.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to guide students on how to maximize their summer in a way that will be impressive to Ivy League admissions officers. It provides advice on selecting summer activities based on intrinsic motivation and personal interests.

What is the biggest mistake students should avoid during the summer?

The biggest mistake students should avoid is doing activities just for the sake of impressing colleges or adding something to their resume. Instead, they should choose activities based on genuine interest and passion.

How should students approach summer activities if they are unsure about their interests?

If students are unsure about their interests, they should try activities that excite them or explore new fields that might help them discover their passions. The key is to remain open to new experiences.

What is intrinsic motivation, and why is it important for choosing summer activities?

Intrinsic motivation is the internal drive to engage in an activity because it brings personal fulfillment, excitement, or interest. It is important because activities driven by intrinsic motivation are more likely to showcase genuine passion, which is what Ivy League admissions officers look for.

What are passion projects, and how can they help students stand out?

Passion projects are self-driven initiatives based on personal interests or causes. These projects can range from writing a book to starting an online organization. They help students stand out because they demonstrate initiative, passion, and the ability to make a positive impact on a community.

What role does networking play in launching a passion project or initiative?

Networking plays a crucial role in gaining support for a passion project. By connecting with motivated individuals through events, social media, or other platforms, students can build a network of people who share their enthusiasm and can help spread the word or get involved.

What is the importance of selecting summer programs based on personal excitement and interest?

Choosing summer programs that genuinely excite a student is important because it helps them explore their interests, discover new passions, and avoid wasting time on activities that don’t truly resonate with them. Programs should help students grow both personally and academically.

What are some examples of summer programs that students can pursue to explore their interests?

Students can explore various summer programs offered by prestigious universities like Stanford, Cornell, or Harvard, covering fields such as technology, engineering, international relations, and humanities. These programs allow students to gain exposure to different subjects and confirm or refine their academic interests.

What are the benefits of taking college classes during the summer?

Taking college classes during the summer allows students to explore subjects not typically available in high school. It also offers the opportunity to earn college credits that may transfer to their future college or university. Additionally, it provides a head start in areas of academic interest.

What types of activities can students pursue to develop practical experience and skills?

Students can gain practical experience by interning at startup companies or research labs in fields that excite them. These opportunities allow students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, develop valuable skills, and gain insights into potential career paths.