5 Must-Do Tasks for the Summer Before College
For numerous soon-to-be college freshmen, July marks the halfway point between high school and the start of this exciting new journey. And while it may seem as if late August or early September will never arrive, there is still so much to be done. Here are five must-do tasks to accomplish in the weeks that remain.
1. Read as often as possible: Create a list of titles, visit the bookstore or library and read as often as possible this summer. College will likely require you to complete longer and more frequent reading assignments than high school did, so it is important to prepare accordingly.
What you read is less important than simply engaging in the practice, both to acclimate yourself to an increased workload and to keep your mind active. Consider a novel or short story collection that you hoped to read, but you never found the time to start. It's even better if this book happens to be included on college reading lists.
[Check out this list of books to read before college.]
2. Review past academic content: University courses typically do not review prerequisite or background material. It is in your best interest to refresh your knowledge of key high school content.
If you are aware of your class schedule before the start of the semester, focus on past course work that applies to these classes. Otherwise, review material like math and writing, which is often standard for freshmen. You may also benefit from studying content specific to your intended major.
3. Strengthen your time management skills: Time management is a key component of college success. Begin practicing this skill before you start your first semester.
You need not be drastic or arrange each moment of your day, but create a schedule for certain activities and then follow it. This may include the time you'll wake in the morning as well as when and for how long you'll read and review your high school course work.
[ Master these five soft skills to prepare for college.]
Simply schedule those activities that you deem most important, and abide by that schedule. When you begin college, you will find it far simpler to manage your commitments.
4. Find some summer work: Getting a job is a wonderful way to learn how to budget your hours and your money. Summer employment will also prompt you to use your brain help you pass the days until college begins.
If you worked during high school, you are one step ahead. If you plan to pursue employment during your freshman year, this is an excellent opportunity to ensure you can manage both responsibilities.
[Learn how to turn a summer job into scholarship opportunities.]
5. Investigate career options: If you have a particular major in mind, investigate the most common careers within that field. Speak with individuals who are involved in such work and try to determine if the career is right for you.
If you are not certain about a career or a major, explore the jobs of those people who you frequently encounter. A significant component of college is preparing yourself for your future career, so use this summer to decide what that future may look like.
Bradford Holmes is a professional SAT and Latin tutor with Varsity Tutors. He earned his B.A. from Harvard University and his master's degree from the University of Southern California.
