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Summer & Extracurriculars

Our Summer and Extracurriculars resources focus on how students use their time outside the classroom, including summer programs, long-term projects, clubs, and sports. Guidance for finding and applying to programs, choosing activities students are passionate about, and building a resume of genuine depth.

All resources are PDFs unless a description notes otherwise.

Summer Programs Guide

How to find and choose summer programs that fit a student’s interests and goals. Covers the main types of programs, what to look for, and how to weigh cost against what a student gets out of it.

Summer Program Planning Checklist

A checklist for planning summers ahead of time, from researching options to tracking deadlines and applications. Includes a timeline so nothing gets missed during the school year.

Jobs, Volunteering, and Community Service

How work, volunteering, and service fit into a student’s profile and when each one makes sense. Covers finding opportunities, committing to something real, and showing genuine involvement over time.

Choosing Activities That Matter

How to pick extracurriculars with intention instead of chasing a longer list meant to impress. Covers committing to a few things that fit the student, taking on leadership, and building a real track record over time.