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What is the best way to spend my time during the summer?

As a junior in high school who is looking to have good college admissions. How should I spend my time this summer: Volunteering, Internship, Personal Projects, and any other ways. I am looking to be accepted into UW-Madison Computer Science.

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Martha’s Answer

Hi Ryan, this is an excellent question. Any of the options you mentioned could be positives:
- Volunteering could be good to show how you help the community (many college applications have questions related to this). Helping senior citizens with technology could be a great way to combine your academic interest with community service.
- An internship could deepen your knowledge as well as help you learn about the work world. It may be difficult to find as a high school student, though. You might also get a recommendation from your manager
- A personal project in computer science, such as learning a new language, could be good but probably difficult to document the value
- A job - even if not in computer science - even if not in computer science -- could be another good way to spend your summer to earn money for college, learn about working, and develop leadership and communications skills.

So you have enough time to complete your applications in a thoughtful way, start to work on them during the summer. Filling out your activities on the Common App can be challenging because of the character limits so start early. Also begin drafting your essays and double check the deadlines.

Please remember that summer is also a time to regroup and rejuvenate for the next school year. So whatever else you do, get rest, eat nutritious food, get fresh air, and remember to have fun. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Ryan
Thank you comment icon You're welcome and thank you for your courtesy. Let us know if you have further questions. Martha Kramer
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Myra’s Answer

Hello Ryan! Completely agree with what Martha called out - volunteering is a great way to give back to your community as well as meet other people who may have similar interests and or provide you an opportunity to network - which may come in the way of connecting to a professional in your desired area of study. It also offers you a chance to connect with other people who you may not connect with in your everyday life. Keeps you well-rounded --- that is essential in the world of work (and adulthood).

Also - as you are doing your college search - be sure to reach out to their Admissions office and ask them if you could connect with department heads/staff in that field - I think this is a great way to get exposure and also get a jump start on what college fits your values/needs/etc.

Have a fantastic summer - be sure to keep in touch with your journey and keep us posted on how things go! Best of luck to you the rest of this school year - you got this!
Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! Ryan
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