While some are having fun in the sun on spring break, high school juniors can use the time to prepare for college applications in the fall. A week off from school doesn’t have to be filled with sleeping in and watching Netflix.
Take the time to visit the colleges on top of your wish list.
Use the week off to travel to campuses that are farther than day trip away. You won’t have to hurry to see everything in one day. Spend the night, attend classes and even attend a sporting event. Do the same things the college students are doing and get the full college experience.
If you haven’t purchased a test manual or taken any of the practice exams, do so. This will give you time to work on any areas where your scores are lower. If you have already identified areas of weakness, use the time off to work on those areas.
Use the days off to perform community service.
Seek out community organizations that need a hand. Whatever your interests might be, there is a way for you to give back. There are planned trips through churches and organizations where students can spend a week building and helping in areas where needed. Local organizations such as animal shelters and assisted living facilities can almost always use a helping hand. Who knows, a one time volunteer opportunity could turn into something more.
Read a classic.
There are so many references to classic literature in other works and even in pop culture. Read it for the joy of reading without worrying about a test or paper over the book. Advanced placement exams often have questions about classic literature. If there is a book from class that you liked, go online and find similar books to choose.
Job shadow someone in the career field(s) you’re interested in pursuing.
Until you really see what a job entails first hand, you only know what you’ve been told. While some jobs may seem glamorous, there are always some not so glamorous tasks involved in the day-to-day routine. Some of these mundane aspects of the job just may be the things that really turn you off or attract you to that job. By asking a professional to show you the ropes, you get a real feel for what the job requires. It is also flattering to the person you ask to shadow. If the job shadow experience works out, you may have found a mentor who will invaluable down the road.
Kelly Short is a 20-year advocate of public education and has been happily teaching journalism and photography to high school student journalists. She, also, advised numerous award winning student publications during her career.
While some are having fun in the sun on spring break, high school juniors can use the time to prepare for college applications in the fall. A week off from school doesn’t have to be filled with sleeping in and watching Netflix.
