A few weeks ago, we got an email from one of our blog readers who was looking for summer plans related to climate change. We’ll be writing a separate blog post about that, but they were also looking for time management tips. In addition to wanting to pursue an environmental position, she also wanted a paying job, to keep up with an independent project, study for the SAT, and start her college applications. We totally get that balancing work, fun, and extracurricular activities can be challenging. Here are our tips for not going crazy this summer:
Take a look at how you’re spending your days, right now. How much time are dedicating to mindlessly strolling on Instagram while watching Netflix? We’re all guilty of it. The easiest way to create more time in your day is to stop doing the things that distract you. There’s a time for fun, of course. But a slightly more regimented schedule will pay off in the end, so it’s worth being a bit busy (with the right things) if it’s going to help you with the college application process.
Start early. If there’s something you know you have to accomplish before the start of senior year, like summer service hours or your common app essay, start right now.
Make a list of everything you want to do this summer. Let’s say it looks like this: finish common app essay, complete 50 community service hours, get a summer job, complete an internship, study for the ACT. Organize your list from most important to least important.
Look at your list and put hours against every item, if possible. For example, you might want to study for the ACT for 10 hours a week, and work on your common app essay and supplements (post Aug. 1) for 5 hours a week. Grab your calendar and schedule everything out like appointments. Be accountable!
Study your “non-negotiables” and then look for opportunities that you can still swing. Making summer plans during a pandemic requires a bit of flexibility, so start applying to jobs and internship early. If the duration of opportunities has not been specified, ask right away. If the role lasts for the duration of the summer and it’s a perfect fit, rearrange your schedule to make it work. Regarding a real job, we’re all for high school students getting them --- you’ll learn valuable skills that will come in handy for the rest of your life. Plus, you’ll make money.
Consolidate when possible. For to-do’s like summer service hours, do them all in two weeks. Apply to month-long internships, or dedicate a specific few weeks before your SAT test date to finish up your cramming sessions. You get the point!
Ultimately, you need to prioritize. We like to get out a big paper calendar and make a physical list of what needs to be accomplished. Before you start planning, look at what you’ve already done and figure out what’s missing.
The reality of the situation is that yes, it’s very hard to juggle fifteen things at once and perform to the best of your abilities. Don’t spread yourself too thin for an internship on Zoom! Think about the narrative that you want to create with your college applications and focus on what needs to be further fleshed out. Best of luck!
Struggling to get organized? Contact us here.