If you’re a junior and just starting to think about summer, we’re not going to lie: you’re a little bit late to the game. That said, it’s not too late (nor is it ever too early) to begin visualizing this upcoming summer. It’s an important one. Not only is it important what you do professionally and academically (ideally, pursuing either paid work or something related to a specific area of interest), but it’s also important that you allot a significant amount of time to your college applications. We’ll say a few quick words about that right now before we spill our suggestions for what you should do this summer.
Here we go:
You need to treat college like a part-time job starting now. Here’s why:
Because it takes time. No, it’s not something that you can wait until August to do. We work with each and every one of our students starting essentially the exact moment they are done with their school year to begin the brainstorming, writing, and completion of the Common App process.
And by time, we mean the kind of time that compounds. If you wait to start thinking about college applications in August, you’re going to be rushed and the outcome is not going to be stellar. Essays and supplements take time. And they improve the longer they sit and the more ideas you get. If you try to condense this process, it’s going to result in some super lackluster essays and supplements. If you start early and follow our advice on how to brainstorm and write your college application essay, it will all turn out well.
Okay, and now onto why you (likely) clicked on this blog post. We think it’s useful to be open to traveling to pursue a worthy position over this summer in particular. You’re likely old enough to feel comfortable traveling alone, and it could be a solidly great experience to get some independent living and working experience under your belt as well. You are, after all, heading off to college soon.
We’ve done lots of research and, while positions and opportunities are highly place-specific, here are some universal opportunities that are certainly worth looking into for this summer (while you complete your college applications and the “summer” section of your junior year schedule):
Internships
There are lots of funded and volunteer science-oriented internships available to those who are interested in the science fields. Just a few…:
BRAINYAC Summer Lab Internship -- neuroscience
Hutton Fisheries Biology Internship -- ecology, biology
Boyce Thomas Science Internships -- biology, chemistry
Geosciences Bridge Program -- geoscience
Microbiology Internship -- microbiology, biology
Some options for those more interested in the history and government:
Historical Society High School Internships -- history
Smithsonian Internships -- history, sociology
New York Times Pre-College Programs -- journalism, writing, current events
Library of Congress Internships -- history, government
STEM & Engineering opportunities:
Microsoft Internship -- computer science, computer engineering
Google Internship -- (historically only open to seniors, but we would still apply!)
NASA -- lots of opportunities in various STEM and analysis areas
Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Programs -- science, engineering
Environment and animal rights internships
San Diego Zoo Internship -- animals
Student Conservation Association -- environmental rights, policy
National Agricultural Library Internships -- history, agriculture
Trust for Public Land Volunteership -- geography, environmental protection, human rights
Environmental Protection Agency Internship -- environmental, policy, government
Jobs
There are likely lots of local opportunities for you to look into should you want to work near to your home. Additionally, there’s a lot to be said for getting a local service industry job. Like at your favorite coffee shop, shopping center, restaurant, or ice cream shop. We highly encourage our students to get paid jobs when possible. Not just because money is nice and useful and good to start saving, but because being bound to a schedule and learning the basics of customer service will only benefit you in the future. Colleges love students who work because it evidences a strong work ethic and a commitment to something larger than just themselves. Don’t knock it.
If you need help searching don’t hesitate to call or email us for some assistance.