It’s tempting to use the summertime as a pause—a time to lounge around, bask in the sun, and enjoy the lack of schedule. But as you get closer to the college application process, each summer offers one of the most valuable stretches of time you have. Things quiet down, the pressure of the school year lifts, and suddenly you have room to be intentional with your time. At Cram Crew, we believe that what you do during the summer can make a real difference, not just on your college applications, but in how prepared and confident you feel heading into fall.
Ahead, find a few ways to make the most of your summer.
If you can secure an internship this summer, make sure it’s one that you feel like you can tell a story around. Look for opportunities that connect to the major or field you're planning to apply to—if you want to be in Marketing, find local marketing agencies that may need a helping hand. Want to take the pre-med track? Keep an eye out for administrative roles in doctors’ offices. Admissions officers want to see direction, and an internship that aligns with your intended path gives you a concrete, compelling story to tell.
When in your internship, ask yourself the following questions to help create your story for college applications and beyond:
If you aren’t able to secure an internship, charitable work and community leadership are also genuinely impressive to admissions committees. They speak to your character, which helps give them a better sense of whether or not you’re a fit for the campus culture. Whether you're volunteering regularly, organizing a drive, or stepping into a leadership role at a local nonprofit, this kind of experience shows initiative and values that go beyond the classroom (or internship desk).
Summer is also a great time to develop a hard skill or lean into a hobby you've been curious about. Coding, photography, a new language, ceramics—there’s no wrong choice. As you choose, though, what matters is that you can speak to why you pursued it and what it taught you about yourself. With the help of your Cram Crew Consultant, you can use this information to create a strong thread in your college applications and personal essays.
You may have already taken a test this spring, but the summer offers an opportunity to keep preparing without having to balance your school work. Summer is the perfect time to stay sharp, take mock exams regularly, and use your results to identify where to focus with your Cram Crew Consultant.
Summer is one of the best times to tour campuses because you're not missing school, and many universities have dedicated summer visit programs and open houses. Seeing a school in person can give you a feel for the culture and community that no website or virtual tour can replicate, and it often sharpens how you write your personal essay. Come with questions, take notes, and pay attention to how you feel when you're there.
The summer may fly by quickly, but its impact on your college applications can be immense. Whether you land a dream internship, find a cause worth showing up for, or simply commit to your Test Prep, every intentional choice you make now is one more thing you'll be glad you did come application season.
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Jordan Rossman graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and New York University with a Master's Degree in Journalism, with a specialization in Digital Media and Storytelling. Jordan collaborates with the Cram Crew team to educate students and their families on timely topics within the College Readiness, Test Preparation, and Academic Support programs.
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