Bright Futures delivers again!  The PTSA was happy to welcome back Gina Wilner, a college consultant with Advantage College Planning, for a presentation on how to make students’ summer activities work for them when applying for college. The summer activities can boost the Activity List on a college application or they could become the subject of one of the college essays. They can also help students when applying for jobs, scholarships, internships, or apprenticeships.

Ms. Wilner provided several examples of summer activities students could consider. In one example, a student used a hobby, photography, to create a project for the summer. In another example, a student volunteered for organizations with specific meaning to the student. Another student planned educational opportunities for the summer and then used that knowledge to create their own research project.  All of these activities can bolster a student’s college application. 

One activity Ms. Wilner mentioned that every student should do every summer is read a book!  She said it could be any type of book but just something other than the required English class reading. She explained that some colleges may ask about the last book you read. Also, a book could be the topic for a college essay or may be the spark to other summer activity ideas.  

The Bright Futures program is hosted by the PTSA for all Apex High School students and parents. So far this school year there has been a program on what not to do for the college essay, a program on interviewing skills, and the most recent program about summer activities to boost the college application. Kay Campbell, the Bright Futures program coordinator said: “Bright Futures offers programs to enhance students’ ability to successfully navigate life’s journey currently as well as upon leaving AHS.”  Ms. Campbell also added that there will be one more program this school year. She said, “The last program of the year will be presented in the spring so watch for announcements in newsletters and Facebook soon. There will be sessions to meet all students’ future needs.”

It may just be February, but now is the time to start thinking about your summer plans. Check out internship opportunities, plan a summer educational experience, or start looking for a job. Also, go ahead and pick out that book you want to read this summer. Starting now will allow you to make the most of your summer and will enhance that story of you that you want colleges to know.